Israel names Ruth Cohen-Dar as first resident ambassador to Slovenia

Israel has appointed Ruth Cohen-Dar as its first resident ambassador to Slovenia, marking a significant diplomatic step. This appointment follows Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's decision to establish an Israeli embassy in Ljubljana for the first time. Cohen-Dar, an experienced diplomat and Director of the Department for Combating Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance, previously served as Israel's non-resident ambassador to Slovenia and Malta.

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Janez Janša is a prominent friend of Israel, and his selection creates a unique opportunity to advance the bilateral relations between the countries, which have been at a low point in recent years due to the hostility of the previous government in Ljubljana.

The establishment of a resident embassy and ambassadorial presence comes after the election of Janez Jansa as Slovenia's Prime Minister in May 2026. Foreign Minister Saar noted on X that Jansa is a "prominent friend of Israel," creating a "unique opportunity to advance the bilateral relations between the countries." Saar emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would act swiftly to capitalize on this development, aiming to move past a period of strained relations attributed to the previous Slovenian government's "hostility."

Prime Minister Jansa echoed Saar's sentiment, expressing anticipation for "a new era in Slovenia-Israel relations." This political shift represents a notable change after Slovenia had become one of the more critical European countries towards Israel under the previous government led by Robert Golob. During that period, Slovenia recognized a Palestinian state in May 2024 and imposed sanctions on Israeli officials. It also enacted an arms embargo against Israel and boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under my leadership, will act without delay to capitalize on this opportunity.

Jansa has already signaled further pro-Israel policies, including plans to relocate Slovenia's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and reverse the previous government's recognition of a Palestinian state, which he contends violated Slovenian law. Additionally, he has moved to revoke a 2025 decision that banned arms exports and transit to Israel.

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looking forward to a new era in Slovenia-Israel relations.