An extremely bold move that resonates both at home and abroad.

The speculation has come true. Slovenia is banning the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to Prime Minister Robert Golob  the government has decided. It has also confirmed a decision on additional humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population.

Prohibited import of goods

The government has banned the import of goods originating from settlements in the occupied territories, including a ban on circumventing the ban on such imports, the Prime Minister's Office announced. It has instructed the relevant ministries to examine the ban on the export of goods from Slovenia destined for these settlements.

The actions of the Israeli government in the occupied territories, including the construction of illegal settlements, expropriations, the forced eviction of the Palestinian population, the destruction of their homes and the systematic restriction of access to basic life resources, constitute serious and repeated violations of international humanitarian law, Golob's office warns."These actions threaten not only the lives and dignity of the Palestinian population, but also the foundations of the international order. As a responsible member of the international community, Slovenia cannot and must not be part of a chain that enables or overlooks such practices. The measures adopted represent a clear reaction to the policy of the Israeli government, which, with its actions, undermines the possibilities for lasting peace and a two-state solution," the press statement reads.

The Government Communications Office (Ukom) explained that, in accordance with last year's decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), countries are obliged to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which includes obligations in the field of trade.

Fajon:"Ban on imports from Israeli settlements a necessary response to the situation in Gaza"

The ban on the import of goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories is a necessary response to the current unbearable humanitarian and security situation in Gaza, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced after the government adopted the decision. The measure, which she described as symbolic, sends a clear message, she is convinced."Although symbolic, this measure has exceptional weight and places Slovenia among the countries that are principled, responsible and courageous," she wrote on the social network X.

The 🇸🇮 government has taken the first step to adopt measures in the economic field regarding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Minister @tfajon emphasizes that action is necessary to prevent the continuation of the war and to ensure stability in the region.

— MFEA Slovenia (@MZEZ_RS) August 6, 2025

Slovenia imported only avocados from the occupied Palestinian territories last year

The Ministry of Economy announced that Slovenia imported only 30 thousand euros worth of avocados from there last year. It exported 3.6 million euros worth of immunological products and medicines to this region.

"According to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, in 2023 we imported statuettes worth 1,904 euros from the occupied territory to the Republic of Slovenia, while exports mainly included immunological products, medicines, antisera and the like worth 4.8 million euros," the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport stated. Last year, we imported avocados worth 30 thousand euros from this area to Slovenia, while exports again included immunological products, medicines and other devices worth 3.6 million euros.

Meanwhile, according to data from the European statistical office Eurostat, the European Union imported goods worth 23.1 million euros from the occupied territories in 2023 and 39 million euros last year, the ministry said.

Data on Slovenia's trade with Israel is also available. According to data from the Export Window portal, managed by the public agency Spirit Slovenia, Slovenia imported goods worth 116.7 million euros from Israel last year, while it exported goods worth 97.3 million euros. The total trade in goods amounted to 214 million euros. According to the portal, Israel ranked 38th among Slovenia's most important trading partners in terms of trade in goods last year.

Last year, Slovenia imported the most mineral fuels and oils from Israel (40 percent of total imports) and electrical machinery and apparatus for recording or reproducing images and sound (22 percent). The largest share of exports was represented by electrical machinery and apparatus for recording or reproducing images and sound (19 percent of total exports) and pharmaceutical products (17 percent).

Aid to Palestine

At the initiative of Golob, the government also approved a decision on the fourth aid package for the Palestinian civilian population. Aid in the form of food and blankets, the estimated value of which, including transportation, amounts to up to 879,490 euros, will again be delivered via Jordan. Material aid will be provided from material reserves held by the Ministry of Defense and the army, and will include one thousand blankets and up to 7,680 dry daily rations.

In 2024, Slovenia already provided humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza in the form of food and other materials, which, together with transportation, amounted to 2,144,668 euros, Ukom also states.

Slovenia puts pressure on Israel

The import ban is a continuation of Slovenia's pressure on Israel over the destruction of Gaza and the starvation of its population. Last week, Slovenia became the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel, with certain exceptions. It had previously declared Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrič persona non grata. It had already recognized Palestine in June last year.

In January, the National Assembly's Foreign Policy Committee called on the relevant ministries to consider banning Slovenia's trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy Dejan Židan warned at the time that there was little scope for unilateral action.

The import figures from the occupied territories are extremely small - in 2022 and 2024 there was none at all until the end of October, and in 2023 it amounted to just under 2,000 euros. There was some export to the occupied territories, but it was medical devices and medicines, Židan explained in January.

The settlements, which are part of Israel's official policy, are illegal under international law, which prohibits the deliberate settlement of civilians in occupied territories. In the West Bank, occupied since 1967, there are about 700,000 Israeli settlers living alongside about three million Palestinians.