Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been declared persona non grata in Slovenia.
“With this decision, the government is sending a clear message to the state of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent respect for the decisions of international courts and international humanitarian law,” said State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Neva Grasic.
After the government session yesterday, she stated on the social platform of company X, based in the United States (U.S.), that “with this act, Slovenia confirms its commitment to international law, universal values of human rights, and a principled and consistent foreign policy.”
“The public is aware that proceedings are being conducted against Netanyahu for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity,” said Grasic.
Declaring Netanyahu persona non grata, she added, “does not mean a measure against the Israeli people, but sends a clear message to the government of the state of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent respect for the decisions of international courts and international humanitarian law.”
The State Secretary reminded that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19th, 2024, determined that several Israeli policies and practices violate both international humanitarian law and human rights. She reminded that all countries, including Slovenia, are bound by the international court and must not recognize or contribute to maintaining the “unlawful situation that is the result of Israel’s unlawful presence in the occupied territory.”
She also cited the report of the Independent Investigative Commission of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on the events in Gaza from September 16th, 2025, in which, as she said, it was determined that Israel committed genocide against the Palestinians.
“This is the first time that the UN has described Israeli actions in Gaza as genocidal,” she added.
In mid-July, the Government of Slovenia declared Israel’s far-right ministers of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and of finance, Bezalel Smotrich, personae non gratae. According to the decision, both, with their genocidal statements, incite violence and serious violations of human rights.
1.2 million euros for the Palestinian Authority
The Government of Slovenia also adopted a decision on contributing to the functioning of the Palestinian Authority in the amount of 1.2 million euros.
“This is an initiative of the French Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the so-called coalition for urgently ensuring the financial sustainability of the Palestinian Authority,” explained Grasic.
The initiating countries invited Slovenia to participate as an active member of the UN on the basis of its previous humanitarian engagement for the Palestinian population and consistent support for diplomatic and political efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue, said Grasic, and added:
“Considering the fact that the Republic of Slovenia recognized the state of Palestine on June 4th, 2024, and that it actively participates in initiatives for implementing the two-state solution, it is necessary to strengthen political support with financial resources, which we are ensuring through the adoption of the government’s decision.”
