An Israir flight to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana was forced to circle in the air after Slovenian authorities refused to approve the plane’s landing due to its anti-Israel and antisemitic policies.

The plane eventually landed in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

According to Israir, the decision was politically motivated. Israir CEO Uri Sirkis told Ynet: “The Israir flight that was scheduled to fly to Ljubljana was forced to land in Zagreb because the Slovenian authorities are not allowing Israelis to land in the country due to their ‘strong opposition to the Israeli government’s political policies.'”

“This is a blatant violation of the European Union’s aviation agreements. The Foreign Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority became involved, but unfortunately, all attempts to complete the flight failed.”

“This is an unacceptable political decision that directly harms Israeli citizens,” Transportation Minister Miri Regev said. “Those who seek to boycott Israel through aviation should understand that there will be consequences. Israel will not stand idly by and will use every tool at its disposal to protect its airlines and the freedom of movement of its citizens.”

There will soon be a change in government in Slovenia, and the incoming government is expected to maintain friendlier relations with Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)