Israel names first resident ambassador to Slovenia as ties improve

Israel has appointed its first-ever resident ambassador to Slovenia, marking a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two countries following Slovenia’s recent change of government.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Israel’s foreign ministry, which confirmed that Ruth Cohen-Dar will become Israel’s first permanent ambassador based in Ljubljana.

She previously served as Israel’s non-resident ambassador to both Slovenia and Malta.

Relations between the two countries had deteriorated under the former centre-left government led by Prime Minister Robert Golob. During his administration, Slovenia described Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as “genocide,” leading to strained diplomatic ties.

However, relations have improved since conservative Prime Minister Janez Jansa assumed office, paving the way for closer cooperation between the two nations.

Israel said the appointment of a resident ambassador reflects its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Slovenia under the new administration.

The move follows Israel’s decision last month to open an embassy in Slovenia.

“The decision to establish the embassy was made after many years of a downturn in relations between Israel and Slovenia, and following the formation of a new government in Slovenia headed by Janez Jansa, a friend of Israel,” the ministry said.

Slovenia’s new conservative-led government lifted an arms embargo on Israel, scrapped entry bans on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two of his ministers, and reversed a ban on imports from Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Jansa’s government has also removed a Palestinian flag symbolically displayed on the government building since Slovenia recognised Palestinian statehood in 2024.

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