Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Janez Janša publicly clashed during the weekend over Israel and Slovenia's approach to European Union foreign policy, after Pirc Musar called on Slovenia to support a joint EU statement regarding further Israeli construction in Judea and Samaria.
Pirc Musar said that the same principles must be applied when assessing violations of international law, regardless of the country involved.
"The expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is contrary to international law, undermines the two-state solution and reduces the prospects for lasting peace," the President's statement said. She therefore called for "a clear and unified European response" to such actions.
"International law is not a matter of political choice, and there must be no double standards in respecting it. It applies equally to everyone," Pirc Musar said.
She added, "Slovenia, from its own historical experience, understands well the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and must therefore be particularly consistent in defending them. When these principles are violated, Slovenia must be among the countries that clearly defend them."
Janša responded with a four-point statement rejecting the President's position and emphasizing that Slovenia is a sovereign country with its own say over EU foreign policy.
"Yugoslavia no longer exists; this is Slovenia," Janša began.
He continued: "Swearing by international law while at the same time speaking about genocide in Gaza or in Judea and Samaria (aka the West Bank), which under international law has not been established by any competent institution, is a political choice of a special kind."
Janša also rejected the assertion that Slovenia is required to support a common European position.
"Slovenia is a sovereign state and an equal member of the EU, and without our consent - or the consent of any other member state - there is no 'European foreign policy position' that we must support," he said. "We are decision-makers, not servants."
Janša added that the Slovenian government "has a clear direction regarding the priorities of its work, which are focused on increasing the prosperity of the Slovenian people, and will therefore pursue a pragmatic policy in all areas of its constitutional competence."
"The same is expected from other holders of public office who, upon taking office, swore that they would work for the prosperity of Slovenia," he concluded.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently thanked Janša for his remarks, accusing the EU of hypocrisy in its treatment of Israel.
"Thank you PM Janša for your courage and clarity amidst EU hypocrisy," Netanyahu said.
"The EU remains silent when Turkey, a NATO member, illegally occupies half of Cyprus - an EU member! Yet when the Jewish people want to exercise their historic right to build and live in their ancestral homeland, the EU is outraged."
Netanyahu added: "You reminded everyone that Slovenia is a sovereign state and an equal member of the EU. That is not a provocation. It is a right that some wish to deny."
"Thank you, Janez, for your conviction and leadership," Netanyahu concluded.