Israel opens Banja Luka trade office, tightening bonds with Bosnian Serb entity

On Thursday, Israel established a Chamber of Commerce office in Banja Luka, the capital of the Republika Srpska entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ceremony was attended by Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli, ambassador Galit Peleg, and Republika Srpska President Sinisa Karan, who presented Chikli with a medal, while former entity president Milorad Dodik also took part. Chikli described the office as a permanent hub for Israeli businesses seeking opportunities in the region and praised the friendship between Israel and Republika Srpska.

Dodik, known for his separatist agenda and vocal support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, has cultivated the relationship for over a decade, linking it to broader US-Israel ties and seeking to counter Turkish influence. Analysts say the economic benefits remain uncertain but the development highlights Israel’s strategy to forge alliances with autonomous or separatist groups amid growing international isolation. The partnership also reflects the Balkans’ strategic importance as a foothold for Israel in Europe.