Israel Opens First Embassy in Slovenia Amid Shifting EU Ties
· World · The Independent, Al Jazeera
Israel opened its first embassy in Ljubljana on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations under Slovenia's current right-wing Prime Minister, Janez Jansa. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attended the inauguration, describing Israel as a key partner for European security. The move reverses policies from the previous center-left government, which had recognized a Palestinian state in 2024 and imposed sanctions on Israeli officials. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the new mission to demand its closure. The opening coincides with recent trade bans on West Bank settlements by the UK, France, and Canada, highlighting Israel's growing isolation among several traditional allies.
Why it matters
The embassy opening signals a major realignment in Slovenian foreign policy, moving the country away from the EU's broader trend of distancing itself from Israel over West Bank settlement policies.
Read the original report — The Independent
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.