Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša to Freeze Palestine Recognition and Move Embassy to Jerusalem

Prime Minister Janez Janša announced that Slovenia will freeze the 2024 decision to recognise the State of Palestine, calling the earlier move "illegal" under Slovenian law. He also said the government intends to relocate Slovenia’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which would make Slovenia the first European Union member to do so.

Janša described Israel as a “strategic partner” that contributes to regional stability and the fight against terrorism, and said he will push the policy in Brussels to strengthen a pro‑Israel bloc and oppose any sanctions against Israel. Israeli officials welcomed the announcement; Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen wrote, “Congratulations on this correct and important decision.”

Domestically, the plan sparked sharp criticism. Former prime minister Robert Golob condemned the move on social media, defending the recognition of Palestine as a matter of self‑determination and warning of diplomatic fallout. Opposition parties also questioned the legal implications of “freezing” the recognition. The PLO flag that had flown over the government building for two years was removed within minutes of Janša’s accession, symbolising the rapid policy shift.