Israeli embassy opened in Ljubljana, opposition accuses govt of pro-Israel stance

"Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer hosted Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar on Wednesday to inaugurate Israel's first resident embassy in Slovenia. While officials hailed this diplomatic milestone and a concurrent business forum, the visit sparked protests and opposition impeachment motions over the government's pro-Israel foreign policy," STA said.

The protest in Ljubljana under the slogan "No to a Genocide Embassy" drew around 5,000 people on Wednesday, according to the organisers of the rally.

Foreign Minister Kajzer said it was time to strengthen bilateral ties "after a long period" with Israel and put cooperation into "a higher gear",the  24ur daily reported.

Protesters sharply criticised Israel and the new Slovenian government's policy towards the country.

Former president Milan Kucan and former justice minister Andreja Katic were among the prominent political figures attending the rally,  STA reported.

Slovenia's opposition on Wednesday accused the Janez Jansa government of pursuing an "Israeli foreign policy".

Jansa's Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) came to power in June, after the previous government had recognised Palestine, condemned Israel's operations in Gaza and its illegal settlements, and banned arms trade with Israel.