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Israeli Spy Firm's Alleged Visit to Slovenia Raises Tensions on Eve of Vote
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 17, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 17, 2026
Quick Summary
Slovenian PM Robert Golob has accused “foreign services” of election meddling after an NGO reported that Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube officials visited Slovenia in December and may have met opposition leader Janez Janša—an allegation Golob called unprecedented and troubling on the ev
Israeli Spy Firm Black Cube's Alleged Visit Stirs Controversy Ahead of Slovenia Vote
Allegations of Foreign Interference in Slovenian Election
By Daria Sito-Sucic
SARAJEVO, March 17 (Reuters) - Slovenia's prime minister on Tuesday accused "foreign services" of interfering in Sunday's election after a report alleged officials from Israeli private spy firm Black Cube visited the country in December and met the main opposition contender.
Details of the Alleged Black Cube Visit
A group of journalists and activists from the non-governmental 8 March Institute allege that representatives of Black Cube, including its CEO Dan Zorella and adviser Giora Eiland, the former head of Israel's National Security Council, met conservative populist Janez Jansa on December 22 in Ljubljana, based on flight records and other intelligence.
Slovenia's Intelligence and Security Agency on Monday confirmed the arrival of the Black Cube representatives in December but could not confirm they met Jansa, the leader of the opposition SDS party that leads in polls.
Black Cube did not respond to a request for comment. Jansa denies meeting the company.
Potential Impact on Slovenian Policy
Middle East Policy
MIDDLE EAST POLICY
Should pro-Israeli Jansa's SDS win Sunday's vote, it would likely change Slovenia's policies regarding the Middle East, as the liberal Freedom Movement party of incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinians.
Under him, Slovenia has recognised an independent Palestinian state and last year introduced a ban on imports of goods produced in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
Political Reactions
Golob told journalists on Tuesday: "The fact that ... foreign services are interfering in the elections of a democratic member state of the European Union is something unheard of."
In a debate between Jansa and Golob on Monday evening, Golob said this was the "biggest scandal we have witnessed in Slovenia since independence".
Jansa said that Golob was trying to cover up corruption in his own ranks.
Concerns About Democratic Integrity
President's Response
PRESIDENT CONCERNED ABOUT IMPACT ON DEMOCRACY
President Natasa Pirc Musar, who is not aligned with any party, has raised concerns about the report.
"The extent of the activities of external actors has not yet been fully disclosed or explained, but the activities presented to date seriously undermine the democratic foundations of the Republic of Slovenia, regardless of who leads the government or who is in the opposition," she said.
Background on Black Cube
Previous Controversies
Black Cube came to prominence in 2017 after it apologised for undercover operations on behalf of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who was accused of sexual harassment by more than 50 women. Weinstein denies assaulting anyone or having non-consensual sex.
The professional networking site LinkedIn alleged in 2023 Black Cube was behind a hidden camera campaign that targeted Hungarian activists and journalists in the lead up to that country’s 2022 vote.
Company Profile
Black Cube, which says on its website it was founded in 2011 by veterans of elite Israeli intelligence units, said at the time it only did work in relation to litigation and white collar crime and operated according to legal advice.
Media Perspective
"It's important for the politics and the people that this was revealed before the election," said Borut Mekina, a journalist of the Mladina weekly who was among the report's authors.
(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Edward McAllister and Alison Williams)
Key Takeaways
- •Black Cube representatives, including CEO Dan Zorella and adviser Giora Eiland, reportedly visited Slovenia on December 22 and possibly met Janez Janša, according to journalists and activists citing flight data and intelligence sources. Slovenia’s Intelligence and Security Agency confirmed their visit but not any meeting. Janša denies any contact. (reddit.com)
- •Prime Minister Robert Golob condemned the alleged interference by foreign services in Slovenia’s democratic process as “something unheard of,” calling it the biggest scandal since independence. He contrasted this with his government’s Middle East policy, including recognizing a Palestinian state and banning goods from occupied territories. (aol.com)
- •President Nataša Pirc Musar warned the external activity revealed so far “seriously undermine the democratic foundations” of Slovenia, regardless of the political side in power. (aol.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Israeli spy firm's alleged visit to Slovenia raises tensions on eve of vote
1Why is Black Cube's alleged visit to Slovenia controversial?
Reports suggest the Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube met with opposition leader Janez Jansa ahead of the election, raising concerns about possible foreign election interference.
2What is the response of Slovenian officials to the reported visit?
Prime Minister Robert Golob and President Natasa Pirc Musar expressed concern, stating the situation threatens the democratic process in Slovenia.
3Has Black Cube been involved in other international controversies?
Yes, Black Cube previously apologized for undercover operations linked to Harvey Weinstein and has been accused of targeting activists in Hungary before elections.
4Did Janez Jansa confirm a meeting with Black Cube representatives?
Janez Jansa denies meeting Black Cube, although flight and intelligence records indicate representatives visited Ljubljana.
