Slovenian Foreign Minister Moved by West Bank Wine at Embassy Opening

During the festive ceremony in Ljubljana marking the reopening of Israel's embassy in Slovenia, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, presented Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec with a bottle of wine from the Har Bracha winery in the Samaria region. The gesture occurred in the presence of Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, who spearheaded the embassy's reopening.

The wine presentation took place just one day after the UK imposed sanctions on businesses in Judea and Samaria, including wineries. When Erjavec inquired about the wine's origin, Dagan explained its significance, referencing the biblical prophecy of Jeremiah: "You shall yet plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria," telling the minister, "What you hold in your hand is not just a bottle of wine, but a fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy."

Erjavec was reportedly moved by Dagan's words and thanked him for the gift. Dagan stated that the wine, grown on Samaria's land and presented at an official diplomatic event, served as a clear Zionist response to boycotts and sanctions. He emphasized that while some attempt to boycott Samarian businesses, Israel is bringing its produce to diplomatic platforms and strengthening international ties.

Dagan also highlighted the strong friendship between Samaria and Slovenia, built over years of joint work with former Prime Minister Janez Janša and his government. He praised Foreign Minister Ashkenazi for revolutionizing the Foreign Ministry's work in strategy and budgeting, and for leading unprecedented public diplomacy efforts, with the Samaria Regional Council partnering in explaining the reality on the ground and combating delegitimization.

Earlier, Dagan held a lengthy meeting with Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Jernej Vrtovec. During the meeting, Dagan presented maps illustrating the strategic importance of Judea and Samaria for Israeli and Western security. Vrtovec expressed solidarity with Samaria and support for its sovereignty, wearing a Samaria pin gifted by Dagan.

Dagan also met with Slovenian Minister of Defense Matej Tonin and Minister of Agriculture Jože Podgoršek. Both expressed support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Tonin stated, "Slovenia and Israel were partners in the past, and I believe they will be in the future," adding, "I wish to express support for sovereignty in Judea and Samaria." Podgoršek called Dagan "a true fighter for Israel and Europe" and expressed solidarity and support for Judea and Samaria and sovereignty in the region.