Introduction

Over the years, Slovenia has procured various defense systems from Israeli companies, including radar systems from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Spike missiles from Rafael, and armored vehicle technologies by Elbit Systems. The most recent major arms deal between the two countries was signed in 2022, when Slovenia purchased additional Spike missiles in a contract worth over $6.5 million. However, in August 2025 Slovenia became the first EU member state to declare a full arms embargo on Israel, banning all imports, exports, and transit of arms to and from Israel.

Israel Slovenia Relations

Israel and Slovenia established diplomatic relations in 1992, a few months after Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia.^[1]Republic of Slovenia, Embassy Tel Aviv – Bilateral Relations In the following decades, cooperation deepened with high‑level visits including the Slovenian and Israeli presidents^[2]The Jerusalem Post, Slovenian pres. states admiraton for Jewish people, 06.03.2006^[3]The Jerusalem Post, Peres reaches out to Slovenia, Croatia, 22.07.2010 and the official establishment in 2011 of an Israel-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote collaboration between the countries.^[4]Israel – Slovenia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, about us

Since October 2023 Slovenia has adopted a distinctly critical stance toward Israeli policy in the Middle East and Gaza. In January 2024 it joined the UN‑ICJ advisory proceedings on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.^[5]The Times of Israel, Slovenia joins ICJ motion against Israeli practices in West Bank, Gaza, E. Jerusalem, 16.01.2024 In June 2024 Slovenia recognized the Palestinian statehood^[6]AP news, Slovenia becomes latest European country to recognize a Palestinian state after a parliamentary vote, 05.06.2024. In July 2025 Slovenia banned the entry of two Israeli ministers.^[7]Al Jazeera, Slovenia bars far-right Israeli cabinet ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, 17.07.2025 In August 2025, Slovenia became the first EU country to declare a full embargo on arms trade with Israel, including the import, export and transit of all weapons to and from Israel.^[8]AP news, Slovenia bans arms trade with Israel over its actions in Gaza, 01.08.2025 Three weeks afterwards a report by Haaretz newspaper reveals that Slovenia continues to arm itself with Israeli-developed anti-tank missile systems, from which Israel directly profits.^[9]Haaretz, Despite Announcing an Embargo, Slovenia Purchases Israeli Weapons Through a Bypass Route, 20.08.2025

In March 2026 it was reported the Israeli intelligence private firm Black Cube influenced the Election campaign in Slovenia. Black Cube’s services were reportedly ordered by Janez Janša from opposition right-wing populist Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS).^[10]European Interest, Slovenia’s intelligence confirms foreign influence on last weekend’s election, 27.03.2026^[11]Politico, Black Cube, leaked tapes and corruption: Israeli spy firm crashes Slovenia’s election, 19.03.2026

Military Relations

Israel began supplying weapons systems to Slovenia in the 1990s, playing a role in the development of the Slovenian military following the country’s independence. Over the years, security relations between the two countries expanded to include additional arms deals involving Israeli-made systems, participation in joint military exercises, and the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement in the field of cyber defense. In 2025 Slovenia became the first EU country to declare a full embargo on arms trade with Israel, including the import, export and transit of all weapons to and from Israel.

In the 1990s the Israeli Elbit was contracted by Slovenia to upgrade T-55 tanks, built by the Soviet Union. The modernization included the installation of a new 105mm gun produced by Soltam, modern armor, and an Elbit fire control system that enabled the tank to fire accurately while on the move.^[12]Walla, With Missiles, Cannons, and an Israeli Ship, Slovenia Suddenly Turns Against Us, 02.08.2025 Those tanks were delivered to Ukraine in September 2022, to support its defense against the Russian attack.^[13]i24 News, Ukraine to receive Slovenian tanks upgraded with Israeli technology, 26.09.2022

In 1995 and 1996 Slovenia purchased from the Israeli Soltam 120mm mortar and 155mm towed howitzers, respectively.^[14]SIPRI^[15]SIPRI

1996: Slovenia purchased the Israeli patrol boat Super Dvora MK 2.^[16]Weapon Systems, Dvora class^[17]Walla, With Missiles, Cannons, and an Israeli Ship, Slovenia Suddenly Turns Against Us, 02.08.2025

2006: Slovenia purchased 100 Spike missiles from Rafael^[18]SIPRI.

2007: Elbit Systems won a $40 million contract to supply systems and components for the Slovenian Armored Vehicle Program. Elbit committed to providing overhead remote controlled weapon stations, unmanned turrets and other electronic and electro-optical systems for 135 vehicles.^[19]Globes, Elbit Systems wins 2 European contracts. 25.07.2007

June 2019: Slovenia hosted the SPIKE Users’ Club Meeting (SUCM).^[20]Israel Defense, 17TH SPIKE user’s club meeting held in Latvia, 17.07.2022^[21]Bulgarian Military, The 16th Annual Spike Missile Users Club Conference Took Place in Slovenia, 18.06.2019

December 2020: During a visit to Israel, Slovenia’s Prime Minister Janez Janša has met representatives of NSO group, the developers of the Spyware Pegasus.^[22]Ostro, How PM Janša met a notorious spyware developer, 20.04.2021^[23]Euractiv, Slovenian opposition calls for independent probe into Pegasus concerns, 30.07.2021 According to an investigation by Ostro, this meeting was preceded by previous meetings of high ranking officials of the Slovenian government and NSO Group.^[24]Ostro, How PM Janša met a notorious spyware developer, 20.04.2021

August 2021: Slovenia’s Government Information Security Office and the Israeli National Cyber Directorate signed a cyber security cooperation memorandum.^[25]The Slovenian Times, Logar discusses cooperation, situation in region with Palestinian FM, 24.08.2021

November 2021: The Israeli Minister of Defense has significantly reduced the number of countries approved for export of cybersecurity tools by Israeli companies. Slovenia was included in the new shortened list.^[26]CTech, Israel defense ministry slashes cyber export list, drops Saudi Arabia, UAE, 25.11.2021

March 2022: Israel and Slovenia both participated in a major international air force drill in Greece.^[27]The Times of Israel, Israeli fighter jets touch down in Greece for major international aerial drills, 27.03.2022

In May 2022 Slovenia, signed a contract to purchase 45 German Boxers with Rafael turrets, but later canceled it. The cancellation might be related to problems in a similar deal made by Lithuania, and delays in supplying the vehicles.^[28]Haaretz, Major Israeli Arms Deal Created Diplomatic Crisis With Lithuania, 22.04.2023

September 2022: Slovenia purchased another 50 Spike LR2 missiles in a deal worth $6.6 million.^[29]Israel Defense, Slovenia to receive 50 Spike LR2 long-range anti-tank guided missiles, 12.09.2022

September 2022: Slovenia transferred tanks to Ukraine equipped with Israeli technology. The tanks were upgraded in the 90s by Elbit for Slovenia.^[30]Ynet, In first, Ukraine said to receive Israeli technology via Slovenian tanks, 26.09.2022

December 2022: A Slovenian representative participated in a two-day visit in Israel as part of a UN ambassadors delegation. The delegation met with senior IDF officials, received a briefing on Israel’s aerial defense system and visited an Iron Dome battery.^[31]Israel Defense, Israel invites UN ambassadors to learn about its security challenges first-hand, 19.12.2022

October 2024: Slovenian port denied entry to a ship said to carry a shipment of military-grade explosives intended for Elbit in Israel.^[32]The Times of Israel, German lawyers ask court to block ship they say is delivering arms to Israel’s Elbit, 31.10.2024

August 2025: Slovenia declared a full embargo on arms trade with Israel, including the import, export and transit of all weapons to and from Israel.^[33]AP news, Slovenia bans arms trade with Israel over its actions in Gaza, 01.08.2025

August 2025: A report by Haaretz newspaper revealed that according to official Slovenian data, the country purchased Israeli military equipment worth €828,000 in 2024. Additionally Slovenia plan to acquire more Spike anti-tank missiles, developed by Rafael, a company owned by the Israeli government, which directly profits from their manufacturing. In 2025 Slovenia plans to invest €8 million in Spike missiles procurement and €17.4 million more by 2028.^[34]Haaretz, Despite Announcing an Embargo, Slovenia Purchases Israeli Weapons Through a Bypass Route, 20.08.2025