27.06.2026 11:17
Far-right leader Janez Jansa, elected Prime Minister of Slovenia in May, announced that they would suspend the previous government's decision to recognize Palestine and move the embassy in Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem. Describing Israel as a strategic partner, Jansa's move could be a first within the EU.
Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa said in a statement to the Israeli press that they aim to fundamentally change relations with Israel.
"WE WILL SUSPEND THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO RECOGNIZE PALESTINE" Jansa, who criticized the former Prime Minister Robert Golob government's Palestinian policy, accused the previous government, which reacted to Israel's genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, of "being captive to anti-Israel prejudices."
Also criticizing the previous government's decision to recognize the Palestinian state, Jansa said, 'The left-wing government that has been in power in Slovenia in recent years recognized the Palestinian state in a manner contrary to Slovenian law. We will suspend that decision.'
Describing Israel as a strategic partner and ally, Jansa stated, 'We made this issue one of the conditions for joining the coalition, and everyone accepted it.'
Janez Jansa "THE RIGHT PLACE FOR MY COUNTRY'S ISRAELI EMBASSY IS JERUSALEM" The far-right leader, known for his Islamophobic remarks, also said they would move the country's embassy from Israel's capital Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem. Referring to current European politicians visiting Israel who go to Jerusalem, Jansa said, 'The right place for my country's embassy is Jerusalem.'
The report also stated that the Jansa government plans to defend this approach in Brussels, strengthen the bloc of pro-Israel countries within the European Union (EU), and oppose sanctions initiatives against Israel.
If it moves its embassy to occupied Jerusalem, Slovenia will be the first EU member country to take this step. Currently, countries with embassies in Jerusalem are limited to the USA, Kosovo, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Papua New Guinea.
SLOVENIA GOVERNMENT'S SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE Slovenia officially recognized Palestine as an independent and sovereign state on June 4, 2024.
After the new government led by Jansa was approved by parliament on June 4, its first act was to take down the Palestinian flag from the government building within minutes. Following this step, the Palestinian flag was hung at the Presidential Palace by Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar.