Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that Ruth Cohen-Dar, who had previously served as Israel’s non-resident ambassador to Slovenia and Malta, will become the country’s first permanent envoy based in the Slovenian capital.

The appointment follows Israel’s decision last month to establish an embassy in Slovenia, underscoring efforts by both governments to strengthen bilateral relations after years of strained diplomatic engagement.

In a statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the decision to open the embassy came after a prolonged deterioration in relations and followed the formation of Slovenia’s new government led by Prime Minister Janez Jansa, whom the ministry described as a friend of Israel.

Relations between the two countries had weakened under the previous centre-left administration of former Prime Minister Robert Golob, whose government described Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as “genocide,” drawing criticism from Israeli officials.

Since taking office, Jansa’s conservative-led government has reversed several policies adopted by its predecessor. It lifted an arms embargo imposed on Israel, removed entry bans targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two Israeli ministers, and scrapped restrictions on imports from Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The Slovenian government has also removed a Palestinian flag that had been displayed on a government building after Slovenia formally recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024.

The latest diplomatic moves reflect a broader improvement in relations between Jerusalem and Ljubljana, with both governments taking steps to expand official engagement following the political transition in Slovenia.

The appointment of a resident ambassador is expected to provide Israel with a permanent diplomatic presence in Slovenia for the first time, replacing the previous arrangement under which relations were managed through a non-resident envoy.