According to AFP news agency, Slovenia is strongly adjusting its policy towards Israel under Prime Minister Janez Jansa, including allowing the country to open its first embassy in the capital Ljubljana.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is scheduled to visit Slovenia on September 9 to inaugurate the embassy. This is Mr. Saar's first official visit to Slovenia, marking a remarkable turning point in relations between the two countries.
The move takes place in the context of tense relations between Israel and many European countries due to disputes related to Tel Aviv's policy towards the Palestinians.
Under Prime Minister Jansa, Slovenia reversed many policies of the previous center-left government led by former Prime Minister Robert Golob.
The new government lifted the ban on importing goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and also lifted the arms embargo on Israel. Slovenia also lifted the entry ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two ministers of this country.
The shift is even more noteworthy as the previous government was one of the strongest voices criticizing Israel in the European Union (EU) regarding the military campaign in Gaza, describing the campaign as "genocide".
Last month, Netanyahu publicly thanked Mr. Jansa after Slovenia vetoed a EU statement condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Israeli Prime Minister praised Mr. Jansa for showing "courage and wisdom".
Mr. Jansa said that the government is "normalizing Slovenia's foreign policy" and overcoming the damage caused by the previous government. He affirmed that the government will pursue pragmatic policies to improve the lives of Slovenian people.
However, the shift in Slovenia's foreign policy has not received widespread consensus within the country.
According to AFP, a poll conducted in June showed that 56% of Slovenians oppose strengthening relations with Israel, while only 14% support it.
Some human rights organizations have planned protests against the embassy inauguration ceremony. Opposition parties also criticized Mr. Jansa's government decision.
