Israel Opens Embassy in Slovenia Following Policy Shift

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi arrived in Ljubljana on September 9, 2026, to inaugurate Israel's first embassy in Slovenia. This development follows a significant policy reversal by the Slovenian government under Prime Minister Janez Janša, who replaced the previous center-left administration led by Robert Golob. The Golob government had maintained a critical stance towards Israel.

The new Janša cabinet has rescinded an arms embargo against Israel, lifted import restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, and canceled entry bans for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two ministers. Earlier in August, Slovenia blocked a European Union statement condemning Israeli construction, a move for which Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Janša.

Janša described these actions as a return to pragmatic foreign policy and a correction of past errors. However, the rapprochement has sparked considerable division within Slovenia. A June poll indicated that 56% of citizens oppose strengthening ties with Israel, with only 14% in support. Local human rights organizations have announced protests for the day of the embassy's opening.

The opposition party, led by former Prime Minister Golob, criticized the government, suggesting the embassy opening was a reciprocal favor for alleged interference in the previous election campaign via the Black Cube intelligence firm.