Israel-Slovenia ties enter new era as first Israeli embassy opens in Ljubljana

Israel opened its first resident embassy in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, on Wednesday, marking a significant improvement in bilateral relations after years of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar inaugurated the embassy alongside Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, who has called for closer political and economic cooperation.

“This is the first resident embassy in Slovenia; it is indeed a historic day,” Israel’s top diplomat announced at the joint news conference. “This is a clear expression of Israel’s commitment to our friendship and to its future.”

Relations between the two countries deteriorated after Slovenia in 2024 unilaterally recognized a Palestinian state less than a year after the Hamas Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel and massacre of 1,200 Israelis. Slovenia also imposed an arms trade ban on Israel and adopted other measures against the Jewish state.

However, bilateral relations improved dramatically in June after the new government of pro-Israel Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša took office and reversed measures introduced by the previous administration, including the arms trade ban.

Janša praised Israel in a June interview with the Israeli news outlet Israel Hayom.

"Israel is a strategic partner because it contributes to regional stability and the fight against terrorism," Janša stated. The new Slovenian prime minister also emphasized the shared democratic values and Israel’s cutting-edge technologies.

"It is a democratic partner because it shares fundamental values of freedom and the rule of law with Europe. Beyond that, Israel is also a model in many fields, including technological innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific research, crisis management, and national security. A small country with limited resources has managed to become a global leader in innovation. This is an impressive achievement from which every European country can learn,” Jansa argued.

The new Slovenian government has also backed the Jewish state within the wider European Union. Sa’ar announced in June that Israel would open its first permanent embassy in Slovenia.

Sa’ar highlighted the symbolism of opening the embassy just before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

“We are inaugurating the embassy two days before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year,” Sa’ar said. “It is a sign of new beginnings and new hopes."

The two countries also signed a cooperation agreement covering education, science, culture, youth and sports, with the agreement running through 2030.

“We signed cooperation agreements today between the two countries in various areas, including youth, sports, education and scholarships for students,” Kajzer said. “We will strive for relations with Israel that are open, strong and based on trust."

“After a long period of less intensive political contacts, it is time to shift cooperation between Slovenia and Israel into a higher gear,” Kajzer explained.

The diplomatic thaw has faced opposition within Slovenia. Former Prime Minister Robert Golob’s liberal Freedom Movement and the Left party submitted a parliamentary proposal on Wednesday seeking to impeach Janša over his pro-Israel foreign policy. Pro-Palestinian protesters also gathered outside the new embassy during the opening.

Bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia is similar in size to Israel and New Jersey but has a population of only around 2 million people.