Israel opens first Ljubljana embassy as Slovenia shifts policy

Israel has opened its first resident embassy in Slovenia, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar visiting Ljubljana for talks with his Slovenian counterpart, Tone Kajzer. The two ministers signed bilateral agreements and addressed the media jointly, underscoring a new phase in relations between the countries.

Sa'ar described Israel as a stable trading partner and a strategic asset, noting that an accompanying delegation of Israeli business leaders was in Slovenia to explore investment opportunities. Kajzer said Slovenia wanted an open and regular dialogue with Israel, adding that communication channels needed to be reopened to discuss bilateral and regional issues.

The embassy opening marks a significant departure from the approach of the previous Slovenian government under Prime Minister Robert Golob. That administration recognised a Palestinian state in 2024, became the first EU country to impose an arms embargo on Israel in 2025, and took other measures against Israeli officials.

The current government, led by Prime Minister Janez Jansa, has criticised that recognition and pushed for closer ties with Israel. It has also blocked a proposed EU statement condemning Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, drawing criticism from Golob.

Kajzer rejected the characterisation of the shift as a reversal, saying Slovenia had changed its approach rather than its position. He maintained that Slovenia continues to support international law and a negotiated two-state solution.

Political analyst Andraz Zorko described the change as a total shift from the former government's strongly pro-Palestinian posture. The policy change has also raised questions about Israeli involvement in Slovenia's election campaign after authorities confirmed that representatives of Israeli private intelligence company Black Cube had entered the country before the vote. Jansa acknowledged meeting one representative but denied any wrongdoing.