Protests greet Israel's first embassy in Slovenia as FM visits Ljubljana

Ljubljana witnessed protests on Wednesday as Israel formally opened its first embassy in Slovenia, a move that signals a policy shift by the country's right-wing government. Demonstrators gathered outside the new mission, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs that read "Stop Genocide" and "Genociders not welcome." Some chants were directed against NATO.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar travelled to the Slovenian capital for the inauguration, which he described as a "historic day" following talks with his Slovenian counterpart, Tone Kajzer. The embassy is expected to strengthen ties between Israel and the small European Union nation.

Speaking at the event, Sa'ar framed the relationship in broader strategic terms, calling Israel "the only democracy in the Middle East and almost the only real and true partner of Europe." He added that Israel is "defending Europe, Europe's security, directly and indirectly," and described the country as "the fortress on the front line for Western civilisation."

The opening comes at a time when Israel's relations with some longstanding allies have cooled over its policies in the occupied West Bank. Slovenia's current administration, led by Prime Minister Janez Jansa, has charted a notably different course from its predecessor on the issue.