A protest was held in Ljubljana on September 9 against the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the opening of Israel’s new embassy in the Slovenian capital, with demonstrators calling for the closure of the embassy, an end to economic cooperation with Israel and a free Palestine, RTV SLO reported.

The Slovenian government is working to restore closer political and economic ties with Israel, despite continuing domestic opposition to the policy.

The peaceful rally took place in front of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS), near Dimičeva Street, where the Israeli embassy is being opened. Protesters later planned to march towards the centre of Ljubljana, with the rally due to conclude at Bavarski dvor.

Demonstrators were heard chanting slogans including “Israel is afraid of the will of our people”, “Against economic cooperation with Israel” and “While Slovenia imports medical equipment from Israel, Palestinian children are dying in Gaza”.

The protest coincided with Sa’ar’s official visit to Slovenia, the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to the country in 16 years. During the visit, Sa’ar and Slovenian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Tone Kajzer signed a cooperation programme covering education, science, culture, youth and sports for 2026-2030, according to the ministry's statement.

The two governments are also seeking to expand economic ties. More than 50 representatives of companies, institutions and investors from Slovenia and Israel participated in a business forum focused on trade, investment, technology cooperation and joint research.

Potential areas for cooperation include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, water and agricultural technologies, green technologies and advanced manufacturing.

The opening of Israel’s resident embassy in Ljubljana is intended to strengthen political, economic, scientific, technological and cultural contacts between the countries. Kajzer said Slovenia wanted to establish regular and substantive political dialogue with Israel after a prolonged period of less intensive relations.

The government’s policy shift has nevertheless faced strong criticism from pro-Palestinian groups and parts of the Slovenian public.

“Stop genocide” chants were heard during a public handshake between Kajzer and Sa’ar outside the Slovenian Foreign Ministry. A separate demonstration was also organised under the slogan “No to a genocidal embassy” at the site of the new Israeli embassy.

The Movement for Palestinian Rights criticised the government’s decision to deepen ties with Israel while the war in Gaza continues. It also proposed renaming Dimičeva Street, where the embassy is located, to Palestinska Street as a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians. The proposal has been submitted to the relevant Ljubljana municipal commission, which is expected to consider it at a regular session in October 2026.

Slovenia’s relations with Israel have been politically sensitive since the outbreak of the Gaza war following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

The government of former prime minister Robert Golob recognised Palestine and accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. The subsequent government, led by right-wing Prime Minister Janez Janša, reversed those measures and said it would no longer condemn Israel.