Israel praises Slovenia for moving embassy to Jerusalem, revoking Palestinian State recognition

Slovenia's new Prime Minister, Janez Jansa, has announced significant policy shifts regarding the country's relationship with Israel. In an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, Jansa revealed his intention to relocate the Slovenian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, acknowledging it as Israel's capital. This move would make Slovenia the first European Union member state to establish an embassy in Jerusalem.

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We will uphold the law and freeze their illegal decision.

Furthermore, Jansa pledged to reverse the previous government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state. He stated that this recognition was made in violation of Slovenian law and that his government would "uphold the law and freeze their illegal decision." He emphasized that this stance was a condition for his participation in coalition negotiations, and all parties agreed.

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We raised this as a condition for our participation in the coalition negotiations, and everyone agreed.

Jansa, who has visited Israel multiple times, including after the October 7th events, highlighted shared challenges between Slovenia and Israel, such as "terrorism, extremism, the erosion of national identity, and growing geopolitical pressures." He asserted that "Israel is not Europe’s problem; it is one of its most important allies," advocating for increased cooperation rather than distancing.

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Israel is not Europe’s problem; it is one of its most important allies.

Israeli officials welcomed these announcements. Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen congratulated Jansa on the "right and important decision," calling it a step that "reflects true friendship and standing on the right side of history." Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli referred to Jansa as a "true friend of Israel." Additionally, Slovenia's new government has revoked a recent decision that banned the export and transit of weapons to Israel, deeming the ban unnecessary under existing national and EU regulations.

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This is a step that reflects true friendship and standing on the right side of history.