Israel Opens First Embassy in Slovenia Amid West Bank Settlement Dispute

Israel on Wednesday opened its first embassy in Slovenia, marking an upgrade in diplomatic ties with the European Union member at a time when Israel is facing increasing criticism over its policies toward settlements in the occupied West Bank and its conduct of the Gaza war.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar travelled to Ljubljana for the inauguration of the embassy. The visit came shortly after the United Kingdom announced a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, while France and Canada announced similar measures.

Following a meeting with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, Saar described the embassy opening as a historic moment. He presented Israel as a key security partner for Europe and argued that the country plays an important role in defending Western security.

The diplomatic development was met with protests in Slovenia. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the newly opened embassy and called for it to be shut down.

Kajzer said the opening should begin a period of increased dialogue and closer cooperation between the two countries, with an emphasis on achieving practical benefits for their people. Israel's diplomatic mission in Vienna had previously handled relations with neighbouring Slovenia.

The embassy opening also reflects a major change in Slovenia's policy toward Israel following the return of right-wing Prime Minister Janez Jansa in early June. The previous centre-left government led by Robert Golob had taken a strongly critical position toward Israel.

Slovenia recognised a Palestinian state in 2024 and, in 2025, introduced measures including restrictions on imports from Israeli settlements, an arms embargo and entry bans targeting senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

After returning to office, Jansa removed the Palestinian flag from the Slovenian government building and his government subsequently withdrew the measures imposed against Israel. Jansa said his administration was working to reverse what he described as damage caused by the previous government.

Golob criticised the policy shift, accusing the new administration of moving Slovenia away from international law and preventing the European Union from adopting a tougher approach toward Israeli settlements. His Freedom Movement party said it would seek to remove Jansa and Kajzer through Parliament.

Slovenia also faced domestic criticism after reports that it had pushed for changes to an EU statement condemning Israeli settlements. Kajzer rejected the allegation that Slovenia had blocked EU action and said the country had been contributing constructively to discussions.

Political analyst Andraz Zorko said the government's new position did not necessarily reflect public sentiment, arguing that much of the Slovenian population was either opposed to Israel or held a neutral position.

During Saar's visit, Kajzer and the Israeli foreign minister also signed a cooperation agreement covering education, science, culture, youth and sport. A business forum was held in Ljubljana as part of the diplomatic engagement.

The opening of Israel's first embassy in Slovenia therefore represents a significant strengthening of bilateral relations, while also highlighting the political divide within Slovenia and the broader international dispute over Israel's settlement policies and the Gaza conflict.