Slovenian PM Says Veto on EU Condemnation of Israel Restores Credibility

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša defended his country's veto against a joint European Union statement condemning Israeli construction in the E1 area. He stated that the veto removed Slovenia from a "vicious cycle of losing credibility due to disproportionate and relentless condemnations of every Israeli action." Janša criticized the EU's foreign policy, accusing it of double standards that have rendered it nearly irrelevant and ineffective in resolving issues. The veto, supported also by the Czech Republic, forced EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas to issue a statement on behalf of herself alone, highlighting divisions within the bloc over the Israel issue.