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Israel to open first embassy in Slovenia amid warming diplomatic ties
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Elections & Politics

Israel to open first embassy in Slovenia amid warming diplomatic ties

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Israel announced it will open its first embassy in Slovenia, marking a new phase in bilateral relations following a change in Slovenia's government.
  • The move signals a warming of ties after years of what Israel described as "hostility" from the previous Slovenian administration.
  • Slovenia's new government, led by Prime Minister Janez Janลกa, is seen as more favorable to Israel, contrasting with past policies like recognizing Palestine and reviewing EU-Israel agreements.

Israel has announced the opening of its first embassy in Slovenia, a move that signifies a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The announcement comes after a change in government in Ljubljana, with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressing pride in opening the embassy in the capital, Ljubljana.

I am proud to announce that Israel will open its first embassy in Ljubljana.

โ€” Gideon SaarIsrael's Foreign Minister announcing the opening of the new embassy.

Saar stated that the election of Prime Minister Janez Janลกa marks a "new chapter" in Israel-Slovenia relations, contrasting it with "years of hostility" from the previous government. This suggests a deliberate effort to reset and strengthen ties under the new Slovenian leadership.

The election of Prime Minister Janez Janลกa marks a new chapter in relations between Israel and Slovenia.

โ€” Gideon SaarCommenting on the impact of the change in Slovenian government on bilateral ties.

The previous administration had taken actions that strained relations with Israel, including recognizing the State of Palestine in 2024 and co-signing a letter with Ireland and Spain to the European Commission requesting a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Additionally, in September 2025, the then-Slovenian government had denied entry to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing ongoing International Criminal Court proceedings.

There were years of hostility from the previous government in the country.

โ€” Gideon SaarDescribing the nature of the relationship with the prior Slovenian administration.

With Janลกa, a leader of the nationalist right and a noted admirer of Donald Trump, now in power, Israel anticipates a more cooperative relationship. Saar remarked, "Today we turn a new page. When Israel's friends return to power, Israel also returns," emphasizing a desire to revitalize bilateral ties.

Today we turn a new page. When Israel's friends return to power, Israel also returns.

โ€” Gideon SaarExpressing the renewed warmth and intention to strengthen relations between the two countries.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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