Netanyahu Thanks Slovenian PM for Defending Israel Against EU Hypocrisy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša on Sunday for his defense of Israel and criticism of Slovenia's President Nataša Pirc Musar. Musar had called for support of the European Union's stance against Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Netanyahu lauded Janša on social media for his "courage and clarity in the face of the European Union's hypocrisy." He contrasted the EU's strong reaction to Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria with its silence regarding Turkey's occupation of Cyprus, a fellow EU member. "When the Jewish people want to exercise their historic right to build and live in their homeland, the European Union is furious," Netanyahu stated.

He added that Janša reminded everyone that Slovenia is a sovereign nation and an equal member of the EU. Netanyahu emphasized that building in the homeland is not a provocation but a right that some seek to deny, thanking Janša for his leadership and perspective.

The dispute began when President Musar asserted that international law is not a matter of political choice and applies equally to all. She argued that Slovenia must support the EU's clear position against Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, stating there is no room for double standards.

In response, Prime Minister Janša called Musar's reference to international law alongside accusations of genocide in Gaza or Judea and Samaria a specific type of political choice. He stressed that no international legal body has established such claims and reiterated Slovenia's status as a sovereign, equal EU member, meaning no "clear European position" is binding without Slovenia's consent.