Slovenia sanctions Israel's Netanyahu in an EU first

 Slovenia on Thursday imposed a travel ban on Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the first such measure by a European Union member.

Netanyahu was issued an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2024, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Gaza since October 2023. 

A government statement announced the decision, citing the ICC arrest warrant and the July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice affirming the illegality of Israel's occupation and the obligations of third states not to recognise it.

"The most recent decision is not aimed against the people of Israel but, rather, sends a clear message to the State of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent implementation of decisions issued by international tribunals and respect of internaitonal humanitarian law," the statement read.

Netanyahu's flight en route to the US on Thursday avoided most EU airspace for the first time, reportedly over fears that EU member states may arrest and surrender him to the ICC, a legal obligation under international law.

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