Israel inaugurated its first embassy in Slovenia on Wednesday, marking a notable development in diplomatic relations between the two countries amid shifting European Union stances on Israel. The opening ceremony took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attending alongside Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer.
Saar described the event as a “historic day,” highlighting Israel’s role as "the only democracy in the Middle East and almost the only real and true partner of Europe," according to remarks reported by the Slovenian Press Agency. The establishment of the embassy reflects a significant realignment in Slovenia’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who assumed office in early June.
Jansa’s government has reversed the position of the previous center-left administration led by former Prime Minister Robert Golob, which had been critical of Israel. One of Jansa’s first actions was to remove the Palestinian flag from a government building where it had been displayed alongside Slovenian, European Union, and Ukrainian flags. His government also lifted prior restrictive measures against Israel.
The embassy inauguration occurred amid growing tensions within the European Union regarding Israel’s policies in the occupied West Bank. Just a day earlier, the United Kingdom enacted a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. France and Canada subsequently indicated plans to introduce similar trade restrictions.
The new Slovenian government’s shift has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Golob condemned the embassy opening as part of “shifting away from international law,” arguing that Jansa’s administration is hindering the EU’s ability to take a firmer stance against Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. Golob’s Freedom Movement party announced plans to attempt to remove Jansa and Kajzer through parliamentary action.
Outside the new embassy building, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to protest the establishment of formal diplomatic representation in Slovenia, calling for the embassy’s closure.
The embassy opening underscores a broader reorientation of Slovenian foreign policy under Jansa’s leadership, reflecting divergent perspectives within the EU on how to engage with Israel amid ongoing disputes over settlements and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.