In a major diplomatic turnaround, Slovenia has scrapped its arms embargo on Israel, dismantling one of the most aggressive anti-Israel measures imposed by the country’s previous government.

The decision comes amid a rapidly warming relationship between Jerusalem and Ljubljana following the return of Prime Minister Janez Janša, a vocal supporter of Israel. Officials said the restrictions were no longer necessary, signaling a clear break from the policies of former prime minister Robert Golob.

The move follows plans to open Israel’s first-ever embassy in Slovenia and growing talk of a “new chapter” in relations between the two countries. After years of diplomatic tensions, sanctions, and boycotts, Slovenia now appears to be charting a dramatically different course toward the Jewish state.

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Janez Janša has consistently voiced support for Israel and condemned antisemitism.

By JNS

In a sign of warming ties between Israel and Slovenia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a friendly note congratulating Slovenia’s newly appointed prime minister, Janez Janša, on Sunday.

“Yesterday, I spoke with my friend @JJansaSDS and congratulated him on his re-election as Prime Minister of #Slovenia. I wish him much success and we agreed to work together to put our countries back on a path of friendship and cooperation,” wrote the Israeli premier.

The election of Janša, who will serve his fourth term as prime minister, will mark a significant shift in Slovenia’s foreign policy toward the Jewish state.

He has consistently voiced support for Israel and condemned antisemitism.

Janša’s position stands in sharp contrast to that of outgoing prime minister Robert Golub, under whom Slovenia recognized a Palestinian state, became the first European nation to enforce a complete arms embargo on Israel and announced a ban on the import of goods from Judea and Samaria.

Janša, who had been unseated by Golub and his center-left Freedom party, in April 2022, narrowly lost again in March elections.

However, Golub failed to form a governing coalition opening the way to Janša’s ascent.

Slovenia’s National Assembly approved Janša’s government on Friday.

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