• Slovenia bans Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as persona non grata.
• This decision aims to pressure Israel regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
• Slovenia's actions follow its recognition of Palestine earlier this year.
• The ministers have been criticized for inciting violence and supporting illegal settlements.
• Other nations like the UK and Canada have also imposed sanctions on these ministers.

Slovenia has taken a historic step by declaring Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as persona non grata, making it the first EU member state to do so. Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon stated that the decision came in response to what the Slovenian government described as the “unbearable situation” in Gaza. Fajon emphasized the action aims to pressure the Israeli government to improve the deteriorating humanitarian conditions affecting civilians in the enclave, where nearly 58,600 Palestinians have been killed since a military offensive began in late October 2023, according to numerous sources including aa, trtglobal, and aljazeera.

Fajon highlighted that both ministers have been accused of inciting "extreme violence and serious violations of human rights," stating Slovenia has been forced to act after EU foreign ministers failed to reach a consensus on how to address Israel's military actions. The ministers’ support for expanding illegal settlements and advocacy for violence against Palestinians have drawn widespread condemnation. Notably, Ben-Gvir has a history of incitement, which further complicates the narrative surrounding Israel's military operations, as noted by multiple reports including aa, trtglobal, and aljazeera.

Slovenia's decisions are reflective of broader international trends, as several nations, including the UK and Canada, have also chosen to sanction Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for their roles in escalating violence against Palestinians. Additionally, Slovenia's move follows its recognition of Palestine in June, indicating a shift in its foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The emphasis on addressing human rights violations in Gaza resonates with other European calls for increased action against Israel, according to aa, trtglobal, and aljazeera.