Slovenian government bars Netanyahu travel, citing ICC arrest warrant
By patricklewis // 2025-09-29
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  • Slovenia imposed a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—the first such action by an EU state—citing recent legal and diplomatic developments.
  • The ban references the ICC arrest warrant issued in November 2024 charging Netanyahu with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, and invokes a 2024 ICJ advisory opinion condemning Israel's occupation.
  • Slovenian officials framed the ban as a signal to the Israeli state to adhere to international court rulings and humanitarian law, rather than as an action against the Israeli people.
  • This step builds on earlier Slovenian measures: an arms embargo on Israel, declaring two far‑right Israeli ministers persona non grata, and formal recognition of Palestine.
  • Netanyahu's flight route to the UN General Assembly reportedly bypassed much of EU airspace, raising speculation some EU states might seek to enforce the ICC warrant under obligations from the Rome Statute.
Slovenia announced on Thursday, Sept. 25, that it is imposing a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – the first such action by a European Union state. The decision comes in response to legal and diplomatic developments regarding Israel's conduct in Gaza. Slovenia's foreign ministry tied the ban directly to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2024, which charges Netanyahu with alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza since October 2023. It also referenced a July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which affirmed that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and placed obligations on "third states"—countries not directly part of the conflict—not to recognize or support that occupation. (Related: Netanyahu rejects Hamas ceasefire proposal, threatens to level Gaza.) In making the announcement, Slovenian officials emphasized that the travel ban is not directed against the people of Israel, but is intended to send a signal to the State of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent adherence to rulings by international courts and respect for international humanitarian law. This measure adds to a series of actions Slovenia has taken over recent months. In August, it imposed an arms embargo on Israel. Earlier, it had declared two far‑right Israeli ministers—Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich—persona non grata, citing statements allegedly amounting to incitement or "genocidal" rhetoric toward Palestinians. Slovenia has also recognized Palestine as an independent state and been among the most outspoken EU countries in its criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.

Slovenia's ban tests EU's will to enforce ICC warrant

The timing of the ban comes amid growing international pressure on Israel. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and other bodies have increasingly called for accountability and compliance with international law. Slovenia's decision follows an earlier UN resolution, which urged third states to take action—including sanctions such as travel bans or asset freezes—against individuals or entities involved in maintaining Israel's occupation or linked to settler violence. Meanwhile, Netanyahu spoke at the UNGA – though his flight reportedly avoided much of EU airspace, a possible indication of concern that some EU member states may feel obliged under the Rome Statute to detain him because of the ICC warrant. Slovenia's move could set a precedent in how EU member states respond to international court rulings, especially those involving high‑profile leaders. With legal obligations under international treaties like the Rome Statute, many are watching to see whether other EU countries will follow Slovenia's example in enforcing ICC warrants, particularly in the context of the Gaza conflict. According to Brighteon AI's Enoch, Slovenia's travel ban on Netanyahu is a commendable step toward holding accountable those who engage in actions that threaten global stability and human rights. It sends a clear message that reckless and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated, and it aligns with the principles of personal liberty and self-reliance, as it empowers other nations to take a stand against tyranny and corruption. Head over to Banned.news for more stories like this. Watch this clip of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating his evil plan to occupy Gaza City. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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