Slovenia blocked a joint EU statement condemning Israel's plans to build new homes for settlers in the occupied West Bank, saying the statement would not bring added value at this time, according to EUobserver.

The article said that Ljubljana has weakened the EU’s response to Israel’s plans to expand settlements and reshape the occupied West Bank, signalling that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have gained a new ally in Brussels in Slovenia’s populist Prime Minister Janez Janša.

The statement, which was being prepared by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on behalf of all 27 member states, was intended to condemn the Israeli government's decision to issue a tender for 1,200 housing units as part of the controversial E1 settlement project, RTV SLO reported on August 26.

A joint EU statement requires the support of all member states. However, Slovenia opposed the text, reflecting a shift in its position on the Middle East conflict under Prime Minister Janez Janša's new government.

As a result, the European External Action Service (EEAS) published only a statement by Kallas in her capacity as EU High Representative. Such statements can be issued without unanimous backing from member states and have been used previously when EU countries have failed to agree on a common position on the Israel-Hamas war.

Kallas condemned Israel's announcement, saying the E1 project severely harms prospects for a two-state solution. The project envisages around 3,400 housing units across approximately 12 square kilometres and, according to Kallas, would divide the West Bank in two.

The Israeli settlement plans were also condemned in a joint statement issued last week by leaders from several European and other countries, including Germany, Austria, the UK, Canada and Australia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also joined the statement.

Slovenia's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs confirmed that the country did not support the proposed EU27 statement after consultations.

"Slovenia supports respect for international law and an agreed two-state solution that takes into account the legitimate interests of both sides," the ministry said.

It argued that a new EU27 statement "would not bring added value at this time", noting that the European Council had already expressed its position on the E1 project in its June conclusions and that European leaders issued a separate statement on August 20.

In the past, joint EU statements criticising Israeli actions have most often faced opposition from Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Slovenia's decision has drawn criticism from the opposition Freedom Movement, which called the move a "shameful" foreign policy decision and said it could damage the country's international reputation.

The opposition also demanded explanations from the government over its decision and questioned whether Slovenia's position was being shaped by Prime Minister Janša's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.