Thousands Protest in Slovenia as Israel Opens First Embassy in Ljubljana

Thousands of people took to the streets of Ljubljana on Wednesday to protest the opening of Israel’s first embassy in Slovenia, as the country’s new government moves to strengthen diplomatic ties with Israel in a significant shift in foreign policy.

The demonstration came as Prime Minister Janez Jansa’s government pushed ahead with a diplomatic reset that reverses the approach of the previous administration. Jansa took office in July and has sought closer relations with Israel, a move that has sparked criticism from opposition parties, activists and sections of the Slovenian public.

Protesters marched through the Slovenian capital carrying banners in support of Palestine and against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Among the messages displayed were calls for peace and statements rejecting the characterization of Israel’s actions as self-defence.

The opening of the embassy marks a major change from the position taken by former Prime Minister Robert Golob’s government, which had strongly criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza and described the war as a genocide. The previous government had also taken a more critical stance toward Israel on the international stage.

Public opposition to the policy shift appears significant. A poll published by Slovenian newspaper Delo in June found that 56% of respondents opposed closer relations with Israel, while only 14% supported stronger ties. Political analyst Andraz Zorko told the Associated Press that the government’s new position does not appear to reflect the prevailing mood among much of Slovenia’s population.

The dispute has also moved into parliament. The liberal Freedom Movement, led by former Prime Minister Golob, joined the Left party in submitting a proposal seeking to impeach Jansa. Opposition lawmakers have accused the government of pursuing a foreign policy that favors Israeli interests and conflicts with Slovenia’s previous diplomatic position.

For Jansa, the embassy opening represents an effort to redefine Slovenia’s relationship with Israel. For opponents, however, it has become a symbol of what they view as an abrupt reversal of the country’s foreign policy during the Gaza conflict.

The protests demonstrate how Israel’s war in Gaza continues to influence political debates across Europe, with governments facing growing pressure to balance diplomatic relationships with public concern over the humanitarian situation and the broader Middle East conflict.