Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar has leveled serious accusations against Israel, claiming the country is committing genocide against Palestinians just days after Israel revealed plans to establish its inaugural embassy in Slovenia.
The president took to social media platform X on Saturday to announce that the Palestinian flag would fly over the presidential building while condemning Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
“The genocide against the Palestinians has not stopped, and the residents of Gaza and the West Bank are not living in peace and dignity. This is a symbol of blatant violations of international humanitarian law and human rights not only in Palestine, but also in other places in the world,” she wrote.
Her statement followed closely on the heels of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s announcement that Israel would open an embassy in Slovenia, marking a historic first for diplomatic relations between the nations.
Sa’ar revealed on Thursday that he had directed Foreign Ministry Director-General Eden Bar Tal to start embassy preparations and begin choosing an ambassador. Prime Minister Janez Jansa and Slovenia’s parliament have already given their approval to the initiative.
“The election of Prime Minister Janez Jansa marks a new chapter in relations between Israel and Slovenia,” Sa’ar wrote. “After years of the hostility of the previous government, we now have an opportunity to rebuild, strengthen, and deepen a real partnership.”
“An Israeli embassy is more than a diplomatic mission. It is a statement of friendship, dialogue, and a shared belief in freedom, democracy, and security. We are turning today a new page.”
Jansa expressed enthusiasm for the development, posting on X that he was “looking forward to a new era in Slovenia-Israel relations.”
Reports indicate the current administration has already begun reversing previous policies by allowing Israeli aircraft to resume operations at Ljubljana airport and taking down the Palestinian flag that had been displayed at the prime minister’s office.
Just last week, Slovenia had prevented an Israir passenger plane traveling from Tel Aviv from touching down in Ljubljana, compelling the flight to reroute to Zagreb, Croatia instead.
During former Prime Minister Robert Golob’s tenure, Slovenia officially acknowledged Palestinian statehood in May 2024. The following July, Slovenia imposed sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
The prior administration had also implemented a travel restriction on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, established an arms embargo against Israel, and refused to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna due to Israel’s involvement.
