Israel Opens First Embassy in Slovenia Amid Diplomatic Reset and Local Protests

Israel opened its first embassy in Slovenia on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic shift under the new government of Prime Minister Janez Jansa. During the inauguration in Ljubljana, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that Israel has no plans to forcibly expel or deport Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Sa’ar clarified that while no one will be forced out, Israel would not oppose Palestinians who choose to leave voluntarily if another country is willing to accept them. This statement followed recent proposals by other Israeli government members, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, regarding the displacement of Gazans.

The opening of the embassy represents a reversal of policies under former Prime Minister Robert Golob, whose administration had recognized a Palestinian state, imposed an arms embargo on Israel, and banned certain Israeli officials from entering the country. Primez Minister Jansa has since scrapped these measures and expressed a desire to move the Slovenian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Sa’ar and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer also signed a cooperation agreement covering education, science, business, and tourism.

The event sparked protests in Ljubljana, where thousands of demonstrators gathered with banners criticizing the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. In response to the diplomatic reset, the liberal Freedom Movement and the Left party submitted a proposal to parliament to impeach Jansa, arguing that the current foreign policy serves Israeli interests exclusively. Sa’ar also addressed a criminal complaint filed against him by the Hind Rajab Foundation, rejecting accusations of genocide and claiming the foundation is connected to terrorist organizations.