An ambassador in Ljubljana, but not in London: Israel’s foreign policy shifts away from longstanding allies

Gideon Saar, Israel's ambassador in Ljubljana, celebrated the opening of a new embassy in the Slovenian capital. The foreign minister hailed Nauru, a Pacific island nation with a population of 12,000, as "one of Israel’s greatest friends in the international community." Two days later, Saar inaugurated the embassy in Slovenia, praising the country's support in the EU, especially after Slovenia had previously been critical of Israel.

A business delegation was invited to show appreciation. However, there was no similar celebration in London, where Israel faced sanctions and trade restrictions imposed by the UK, along with 11 other countries, targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. For the past year, Israel has not had an ambassador in London, as its intended envoy, Tzachi Braverman, chief of staff to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was barred from leaving the country due to a criminal investigation.

This diplomatic split highlights a broader trend in Israel's foreign relations. As traditional allies in Western Europe grow weary of Israel's settlement expansion and rising violence in the West Bank, the right-wing government is forging closer relationships with smaller or ideologically aligned nations, shifting its diplomatic focus.

The UK, along with Canada, France, and other Western states, recognized Palestinian statehood in September 2025, and in June of the same year, imposed sanctions targeting individuals and networks allegedly involved in settler violence. In response, France barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Italy investigated National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and the Netherlands declared Smotrich and Bezalel Smotrich "persona non grata" while banning imports of goods from the settlements.

Despite some setbacks, such as Hungary's change in leadership and Slovenia stepping in as a new ally, Israel continues to face growing tensions within the EU. While Germany and Italy have thus far remained supportive, the swing towards a more anti-Israel stance raises concerns for Israel's future in the region.