Israeli Official Gifts West Bank Wine to Slovenian Foreign Minister Amid Sanctions

One day after Britain imposed sanctions on businesses and wineries in the West Bank, a bottle of wine from the Har Bracha winery in Samaria was presented to Slovenian Foreign Minister Tihomir Kajfež during the opening ceremony for Israel's embassy in Ljubljana. The wine was given by Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar and Head of the Samaria Regional Council Yossi Dagan.

When Kajfež inquired about the wine's origin, Dagan explained its significance, referencing a prophecy from the Book of Jeremiah about planting vineyards in the hills of Samaria. Dagan stated, "What you hold in your hand is not just a bottle of wine, but a prophecy of Jeremiah being fulfilled." The ceremony concluded with attendees raising a toast.

The gesture followed Britain's decision to sanction West Bank businesses, including wineries. During his visit to Slovenia, Dagan also met with senior government officials, emphasizing the strategic importance of the West Bank. He presented the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Jernej Vrtovec, with a Samaria pin. Vrtovec expressed solidarity, stating, "We express great solidarity with Samaria and support Samaria being under sovereignty."

Slovenian Defense Minister Valentin Heinijak and Agriculture Minister Jože Podgoršek also voiced support for West Bank sovereignty. Dagan described the wine presentation as a "clear Zionist response to the boycott and sanctions," asserting that "in the face of those trying to boycott our wineries and businesses, we are bringing Samaria's produce to political platforms and strengthening our international ties." He praised Saar's efforts in public diplomacy and combating delegitimization.