Israel Denies Plans to Expel Gazans During Slovenia Visit
Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar stated during a visit to Slovenia that Israel has no intention of expelling or deporting any individuals from the Gaza Strip. Saar's remarks, made in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana ahead of the inauguration of a new Israeli embassy, come amid increasing international criticism and accusations that Israel might be planning a forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza due to the ongoing war and its humanitarian consequences.
According to media reports, Saar emphasized that expelling Gaza's residents is not part of Israel's plans, aiming to refute claims of an organized policy to encourage Palestinians to leave the territory. This echoes a similar stance Saar took in April 2025, when he stated Israel did not intend to "forcibly expel Gaza's residents," though he noted Israel would facilitate departures for those wishing to leave.
Saar's visit to Slovenia is politically and journalistically significant, marking the upcoming opening of Israel's first resident embassy in the country, signaling improved bilateral relations. Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon confirmed the visit would coincide with the embassy's opening.
Coinciding with Saar's arrival, the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a criminal complaint against him with Slovenian police and prosecutors, accusing the minister of responsibility for "war crimes, acts of genocide, and torture related to the war in Gaza." The Jerusalem Post reported that the complaint did not automatically trigger criminal proceedings, and there were no indications at the time that Slovenian authorities had opened an investigation.
These statements and events occur amidst mounting European and international pressure on Israel regarding its policies in the Palestinian territories. Recent actions include Britain imposing sanctions related to West Bank settlements, which Israel countered with diplomatic measures such as closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and barring entry to British officials. Israel maintains internationally that its policies do not aim for forced displacement, while international bodies and human rights groups continue to warn of the risks of mass Palestinian displacement due to military operations and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
