Israel opens first embassy in Slovenia amid shift in Ljubljana’s policy
Israel on Wednesday opened its first embassy in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived for the ceremony and held a meeting with his Slovenian counterpart, Tone Kajzer.
As TimesLIVE reports, Sa’ar called the opening of the diplomatic mission a “historic day.” He stated that Israel is “the only democracy in the Middle East” and Europe’s partner, and also said that his country directly and indirectly protects European security.
Protest near the embassy
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the building of the new embassy during its opening. The participants demanded that the diplomatic mission be closed.
Kajzer said that the opening should mark the beginning of a period of more active dialogue, closer cooperation and more concrete results for the benefit of people. The ministers also signed a multi-sector cooperation agreement in education, science, culture, youth affairs and sports. A business forum was also held in Ljubljana.
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Shift in Slovenian government policy
The embassy opening took place after Slovenia changed its policy toward Israel under right-wing Prime Minister Janez Janša, who came to power in early June. The previous center-left government of Robert Golob had been among Israel’s most outspoken critics in the European Union.
Golob’s government recognized the State of Palestine in 2024 and, in 2025, imposed a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, an arms embargo, and entry bans for a number of senior officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After taking office, Janša repealed these measures.
Golob criticized the new course and said that opening the embassy was another step away from international law. His Freedom Movement party announced its intention to seek the removal of Janša and Kajzer in parliament. Previously, Israel’s diplomatic interests in Slovenia were represented by its embassy in Vienna.
