Israel opened its first resident embassy in Ljubljana during Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's visit, which Slovenia's government presented as a reset in political and economic relations after 16 years. The same day, thousands of protesters marched from near the embassy to the Israeli delegation's reception, demanding an end to diplomatic and economic ties. The opening exposed both the bilateral rapprochement and domestic opposition to it.
Israel opened its first resident embassy in Ljubljana during Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's visit to Slovenia. Slovenia's government said the mission turned a diplomatic presence previously covered from Vienna into a resident one. According to the government statement, Saar was the first Israeli foreign minister to visit Slovenia at this level in 16 years; Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer called for more regular political dialogue.[1], [2]
Kajzer and Saar signed a cooperation programme covering education, science, culture, youth and sport in 2026-2030. Slovenia's government presented the opening as a new start for political, economic and scientific ties between the countries. Business representatives from both countries also met in Ljubljana during the visit, placing the diplomatic mission and closer economic relations within the same official programme.[1]
Slovenian outlet 24UR reported that protesters marched the same day from near the embassy to the hotel hosting a reception for the Israeli delegation. The Iskra student association and the Movement for Palestinian Rights organised the demonstration, which demanded an end to diplomatic and economic ties; organisers estimated attendance at about 5,000. 24UR said former president Milan Kučan and former prime minister Robert Golob also joined.[2]
