Slovenian Deputy PM Meets Israeli Official, Expresses Support for Sovereignty in West Bank

Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Jernej Vrtovec met with Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan in Ljubljana, Slovenia, to discuss the strategic importance of the West Bank for Israel and global security. The meeting occurred two weeks after Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša vetoed an EU decision and on the same day the UK announced sanctions against the West Bank.

Dagan presented maps illustrating the region's strategic and security significance and thanked Vrtovec and the Slovenian government for blocking the EU's attempt to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements. He emphasized that the West Bank serves as a protective shield for Israel and is strategically vital for Western security, calling Israel the "frontline" defending Europe.

Vrtovec, who also serves as Slovenia's Minister of Transport and Energy, accepted a pin symbolizing the Samaria region and stated that Slovenia and Israel are friendly nations with shared values. He expressed solidarity with Israel's efforts in the West Bank and affirmed support for the area coming under Israeli sovereignty. He also announced that a delegation from the NSI party and his ministry would visit Israel, specifically the Samaria region, possibly as early as December.

Dagan has maintained a close relationship with Prime Minister Janša, a long-time supporter of the Samaria region, engaging in numerous discussions over the years to bolster international support for settlements. This meeting also takes place amidst internal Slovenian political debate, with Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar having criticized the government's policy towards Israel and its engagement with Dagan.