Israel will open its first embassy in Slovenia, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced, following the formation of Slovenia’s new government led by Janez Jansa.
Sa'ar described Jansa as a “clear friend of Israel” and said his election presents a unique opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties after years of strained relations under the previous Slovenian administration.
The decision comes amid a diplomatic dispute after Slovenian authorities reportedly denied landing approval for an Israeli airline flight bound for Ljubljana. Slovenian media, however, said the decision was based on regulatory and security considerations rather than political motives.
Jansa, a nationalist conservative leader and longtime supporter of Israel, has previously served as Slovenia’s prime minister on three occasions. Under former Prime Minister Robert Golob, Slovenia became one of Israel’s most vocal critics in Europe, recognizing a Palestinian state and backing measures against Israel over the Gaza conflict.
Israel said the opening of an embassy in Ljubljana reflects expectations of significantly improved relations between the two countries under the new government.
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