Slovenian Leaders Clash Over Israel Policy

A sharp dispute has erupted between Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša and President Nataša Pirc Musar concerning the country's policy towards Israel. The conflict was triggered by Janša's meeting with Yossi Dagan, chairman of the Samaria Regional Council, during which he blessed the residents of Judea and Samaria. Further exacerbating the situation, Janša vetoed the publication of a European condemnation of the E1 settlement plan, promoted by Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

President Pirc Musar criticized the government's stance, stating that "international law is not a matter of political choice" and demanding Slovenia support a European position against settlement expansion. Prime Minister Janša vehemently attacked this position, asserting Slovenia's sovereignty and its right not to accept European positions without consent. "Yugoslavia no longer exists, this is Slovenia," he declared, adding, "We are decision-makers, not slaves."

Janša also argued that there is a contradiction in relying on international law while using terms like "genocide" in relation to Gaza or Judea and Samaria without a competent body having made such a determination. Last week, Slovenia, alongside the Czech Republic, vetoed a joint statement by all 27 EU member states against construction in the E1 area. This forced the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, to issue a statement solely on her own behalf.

This move highlights a significant shift in the policy of Slovenia's new government, which took office in June 2026, contrasting sharply with the critical approach of the previous administration.