Bosnian Serbs open Israeli commerce office in Banja Luka

September 6, 2026 at 07:37 PM2 min

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The Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Banja Luka, the administrative center of Republika Srpska, on Thursday. Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik and Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg attended the ceremony, which they said would strengthen economic ties. The opening comes as Bosnia's other entity, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has criticized Israel's war in Gaza.

Key Facts

The Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Banja Luka, the seat of Republika Srpska, on Thursday.
Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik said the entity will create a support programme for new technologies from Israel.
Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg said the office aims to connect businesses and promote investment cooperation.
The office's president is Amir Gross Kabiri, an Israeli businessman and investor.

The Opening Ceremony

The Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Banja Luka last week, according to officials. Milorad Dodik, the former president and effective leader of Republika Srpska, spoke at the ceremony on Thursday. Dodik highlighted political and historical ties between Serbs and Jews, describing their similar 'suffering'. Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg said the office would connect businesses and promote 'investment cooperation'.

Political Context

Republika Srpska has expressed strong support for Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Dodik said Republika Srpska fully supports Israel's right to self-defence, and the Palace of the Republic in Banja Luka was illuminated with Israeli flag colours. In August 2025, Dodik said 'a state that does not exist in reality cannot be lawfully recognised', opposing international recognition of Palestine. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other entity, has criticised Israel's war in Gaza.

Economic Ties

Dodik announced a support programme for new technologies from Israel without disclosing details. Republika Srpska authorities have also touted the possibility of significant Israeli investment, without providing information. The office's president is Amir Gross Kabiri, an Israeli businessman and investor who has become prominent in Bosnia's economic and political life.