**Slovenia Decides Against Joining ICJ Case Against Israel Amid Security Concerns** The Slovenian government has chosen not to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, despite previously expressing a desire to participate in the proceedings. This decision comes as several countries, including the Netherlands, Iceland, Hungary, the US, Fiji, and Namibia, have filed interventions in recent days to submit their observations on the interpretation of the treaty. According to local media, Slovenia's decision was influenced by national security officials who cautioned that joining the lawsuit could jeopardize the country's national security. They noted that many of Slovenia's cyber defence systems are of Israeli origin, and that Israeli authorities play a crucial role in facilitating Slovenian humanitarian operations in Gaza, as well as in the evacuation of Slovenian nationals from the Middle East. Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon expressed regret over the decision, stating that the debate was "quite emotional and exhausting." She emphasized that Slovenia will continue to hold its stance in respect of international and humanitarian law, and continues to respect the work of international courts. Fajon also stressed that Slovenia will continue to oppose the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the Palestinian population. The Slovenian government's decision was made on the backdrop of a tense ongoing election campaign, which has been overshadowed by scandals and allegations of election interference. On Thursday, Prime Minister Robert Golob asked the EU to probe alleged election interference after secretly recorded videos were aired ahead of this weekend's parliamentary polls. Golob's liberals are in a tight race against the conservatives of nationalist former premier Janez Jansa, whom Golob unseated four years ago. The videos, which were published in the weeks leading up to the election on 22 March, allegedly show Slovenian officials suggesting ways to influence decision makers in Golob's centre-left coalition government in order to speed up procedures or win contracts. A Slovenian rights group, together with an investigative journalist and two researchers, have claimed that the videos demonstrate a pattern of influence peddling and corruption within the government. In a statement, the foreign ministry said, *"The Slovenian government, through its principled policy, has regularly warned against and opposed the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the Palestinian population. Slovenia will continue to do so."* Foreign Minister Fajon also acknowledged that external pressures exist, but emphasized that national security concerns were a primary factor in the government's decision not to join the ICJ case.