Janša’s reversal: Slovenia’s new government signals strong pivot toward Israel

The government of Prime Minister Janez Janša wasted no time in setting a new tone. Just minutes after the Slovenian parliament confirmed his ministerial team on 4 June, workers removed the Palestinian flag from the facade of the government palace in Ljubljana. In its place now fly the Slovenian, European, and Ukrainian flags. Almost simultaneously, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that Israel would open its first embassy in Ljubljana, describing the development as the beginning of a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.

The timing was striking. The confirmation of the new government came almost exactly two years after the previous administration under Robert Golob had recognized Palestine as an independent state in late May 2024. The Palestinian flag had flown on the government building ever since. Its swift removal, captured by media outlets like N1 roughly twenty minutes after the parliamentary vote around 17:25, sent a clear message about the priorities of the incoming coalition.

Janša’s government is led by his Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) and includes the Democrats, New Slovenia, the Slovenian People’s Party, and Focus. The number of ministries has been streamlined from 20 to 15, reflecting a desire for greater efficiency. This marks Janša’s fourth term as prime minister, following a period of left-leaning governance that had positioned Slovenia among the more vocal European supporters of the Palestinian cause.

Former Prime Minister Robert Golob reacted sharply to the flag’s removal. Speaking on the second anniversary of Slovenia’s recognition of Palestine, he lamented what he called a “sad coincidence.” Golob argued that the flag represented not only the Palestinian people but broader values of justice, dignity, compassion, humanity, and peace for oppressed nations worldwide. He expressed dismay that a symbol tied to immense suffering had been taken down so quickly.

A new chapter in Israeli-Slovenian relations

Israeli officials welcomed the change enthusiastically. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare that Israel would establish a resident embassy in Ljubljana for the first time. Until now, Israeli diplomatic affairs in Slovenia had been managed from the embassy in Vienna. Sa’ar praised Janša as a “clear and steadfast friend of Israel” and criticized the previous government’s “hostility,” which he said had brought relations to a low point.

“The Israeli embassy is more than just a diplomatic mission,” Sa’ar stated. “It is an expression of friendship, dialogue, and a shared belief in freedom, democracy, and security.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had personally congratulated Janša by phone shortly after his election victory, referring to him as a friend. Janša, long known for his pro-Israel stance and admiration for figures like Donald Trump, had previously signaled intentions to move Slovenia’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and reconsider the recognition of Palestine.

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer responded positively to questions about the embassy opening. Though he noted that the move had not been coordinated directly under his watch yet, he described it as “good news.” Resident embassies, he said, strengthen contacts and deepen relations. Kajzer indicated that his ministry’s early priorities would align with announcements made during the parliamentary process, beginning with consultations with neighboring countries.

These moves represent a dramatic reversal from the Golob era. Under the previous government, Slovenia recognized Palestine, imposed what amounted to an arms embargo on Israel, enacted travel bans on Israeli officials including Netanyahu, and saw its public broadcaster RTV boycott the 2026 Eurovision song contest over Israel’s participation while airing Palestinian content instead. Slovenia had aligned itself closely with countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway on these issues.

Janša’s return signals a more pragmatic, right-leaning foreign policy. The new coalition is expected to pursue stronger transatlantic ties, a firmer stance toward Russia and China, and closer alignment with Israel. Janša has a history of supporting Israel’s security concerns, particularly in the context of the conflict with Hamas.

Domestic appointments and coalition dynamics

Beyond foreign policy, the new government moved quickly on key appointments. According to reports, Danijel Lorbek is set to lead the police, while Janez Stušek, who previously headed the Slovenian Intelligence and Security Agency (SOVA) during Janša’s third government, is expected to return to that role. Gregor Majcen appears to be a strong candidate for director of military intelligence (OVS).

In the Prime Minister’s Office, familiar faces are returning. Nika Dolinar Divjak will again head the cabinet, with Janja Garvas as Secretary General. State Secretaries Igor Senčar and Vinko Gorenak will handle European Affairs and relations with Parliament, respectively. Miha Kuhar, a Slovenian Army officer and mountaineer, is slated for defense-related duties and possibly national security advising. Long-time Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek is expected to take on responsibilities for state assets. Communications will be managed by figures including Sebastjan Jeretič, formerly associated with Borut Pahor and the SD party, and Kristina Hacin, who previously handled public relations for SDS. Former SDS MP Andrej Hoivik will also join the team.

The coalition brings together Janša’s confrontational style with more moderate voices like Anže Logar’s Democrats and the anti-establishment, pro-Russian elements associated with incoming National Assembly Speaker Zoran Stevanović of Resni.ca. This mix raises questions about long-term stability, especially on sensitive issues like migration, EU relations, and cultural policy.

Critics worry about potential pressure on independent institutions, media, and civil society. There are also concerns in Brussels that Slovenia could become less predictable within the European Union, potentially using unanimity rules to delay or shape common positions. The appointment of Tone Kajzer, who has a diplomatic background but also past controversies, underscores the expected shift toward a more assertive foreign policy.

Janša’s government inherits a polarized political landscape following a turbulent election campaign. Allegations of foreign interference, added to the intensity, though their ultimate impact remains unclear. Slovenian journalists and activists revealed that Janša was in contact with Black Cube, an Israeli private intelligence firm specializing in political meddling. Slovenia’s intelligence agency confirmed that Black Cube representatives visited the country four times in the previous six months.

Kompromat and “black PR” against the government of Slovenia

According to Haaretz, Black Cube founder Dan Zorella and advisor Maj. Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland met with Janša in December 2025. A campaign to undermine the incumbent government soon followed, including an anonymous corruption website, fake LinkedIn profiles, operatives using false identities, staged meetings abroad, and erased digital traces.

Domestically, the focus will likely include economic conservatism, institutional reforms, and efforts to consolidate power.

Internationally, the rapid moves on the Palestinian flag and the Israeli embassy set an unmistakable tone. Slovenia appears poised to retreat from its recent high-profile advocacy for Palestinian statehood and instead emphasize traditional alliances and security partnerships.

EU’s spyware scandal deepens: Black Cube and Intellexa thrived in Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, amid Brussels inaction

Sources: Siol.net, N1, Times of Israel, Reuters

Caption: The Palestinian flag has been flying on the facade of the government palace since the end of May 2024, when the government of Robert Golob adopted a resolution recognizing Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. Just minutes after the Slovenian parliament confirmed his ministerial team on 4 June, workers removed the Palestinian flag from the facade of the government palace in Ljubljana. In its place now fly the Slovenian, European, and Ukrainian flags. (STA)