The Slovenian government has annulled its 2003 decision permitting Israeli security officers to carry firearms at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. The measure, in place for over two decades, allowed armed protection during operations of airlines registered in Israel. The reversal comes as part of a wider review of weapons transit and security protocols, following what the government described as “serious and flagrant violations of international law, humanitarian law and human rights” by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza.

The decision could directly affect Israir, which maintains three weekly services between Tel Aviv and Ljubljana. Without armed Israeli security personnel present, the carrier will face operational and regulatory challenges in continuing its flights to Slovenia. Israeli airlines are required to have armed security on all their international flights. This rule has been in place since the 1970s, after a series of high-profile hijackings and attacks against Israeli carriers. Israeli airlines will only operate to airports and countries that agree to allow these armed officers to carry weapons both on board and at the airport during aircraft turnaround. If a host country refuses, Israeli airlines generally cannot serve that destination. Israir's next service to Ljubljana is scheduled for tomorrow, August 6.

Slovenia’s Prime Minister previously sought to have Israir’s flight permit revoked, but the Ministry of Infrastructure ruled there was no legal basis for such a move.