Pro-Palestinian protesters oppose Israeli embassy in Slovenia
Demonstrators reject closer Israel-Slovenia ties as Ljubljana reverses earlier measures against Israel amid Gaza war
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (MNTV) — Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Slovenia’s capital to oppose the opening of Israel’s first resident embassy in the country, challenging a major shift in Ljubljana’s policy toward Israel.
Al Jazeera reported that demonstrators marched in Ljubljana as Israel formally opened its embassy, a move reflecting the reversal of measures adopted by Slovenia’s previous government over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
The opening was attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Slovenian counterpart Tone Kajzer, who signed a cooperation program covering education, science, culture, youth and sports. The two governments also highlighted plans to expand economic and technological ties.
The diplomatic rapprochement comes as Israel faces growing criticism from several Western governments over its policies in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza war.
Britain, France and Canada have moved to restrict trade linked to Israeli settlements, underscoring the widening diplomatic divide over Israel’s conduct toward Palestinians.
Slovenia’s policy reversal followed the return of conservative Prime Minister Janez Jansa, whose government has moved to undo several measures imposed under former Prime Minister Robert Golob, including restrictions on military cooperation and imports linked to Israeli settlements.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the new embassy, demanding that Slovenia halt diplomatic and economic cooperation with Israel.
Opposition groups and Palestinian-rights activists have criticized the government for deepening ties with Israel while Palestinian civilians continue to bear the consequences of the Gaza conflict.
The embassy opening marks a sharp departure from Slovenia’s previous position, when the country recognized Palestine and adopted measures targeting Israeli officials and settlement-related trade. Israel had previously handled its diplomatic affairs with Slovenia through its embassy in Vienna.
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