Slovenia's government said on Thursday it was joining the small handful of European nations which have recognized Palestinian statehood.
Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government had agreed to recognize Palestine and will put the measure to parliament for final approval, likely next week, the STA news agency reported.
Slovenia is following in the path of Ireland, Norway and Spain. Those countries formally recognized an independent Palestine earlier this week. Sweden took the step a decade ago.
The moves have bolstered the worldwide Palestinian cause, even as it infuriates Israel.
More than 140 out of 193 member states of the United Nations recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. Western European countries and the United States have long been the exception.