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Slovenia lifts ban on arms trade with Israel

By Thomson Reuters Jun 11, 2026 | 11:35 AM

June 11 (Reuters) – Slovenia’s government has revoked a 2025 decision banning the export and transit of ​weapons and military equipment ‌to Israel, as well as most arms imports from the country, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.

• The ministry said ‌the ​ban, introduced in ⁠July, was no ⁠longer necessary as the trade in arms is already governed by national law and European Union rules.

• ​It added that existing legislation and regulations already define licensing ⁠procedures and controls, ⁠and Thursday’s decision was also ​aligned with the EU Common Position ​on arms export controls.

• The 2025 ‌measure barred the export, transit of military goods to Israel and imports from Israel, exempting equipment ⁠needed for Slovenia’s security.

• The measure was introduced under then-Prime Minister Robert Golob, who ⁠said ‌Slovenia was the first ⁠EU country to impose such ​an ‌embargo.

• In June, Slovenia’s ​parliament approved ⁠Prime Minister Janez Jansa’s centre-right government, ending a political deadlock since a March election produced no outright majority.

(Reporting by Antonis Pothitos; Editing by ​William Maclean)