Israel expands defence and political ties across the Balkans
Israel’s growing Balkan ties span arms, technology and diplomacy, but analysts say each government has distinct motives.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Israel-Balkans ties are growing through country-by-country agreements on defence, technology, energy and diplomacy, rather than through a single regional policy. Reporting by Al Jazeera points to a mix of Israeli security and political aims, while Balkan governments seek military equipment, commercial links and, in some cases, closer access to Washington.
The relationships differ sharply across the region. Analysts told Al Jazeera that Balkan governments’ positions on Israel are shaped largely by domestic politics, national narratives and transactional foreign policy, leaving little common regional approach.
Why is Israel increasing ties with Balkan countries?
In an Al Jazeera video report, an analyst said Israel is seeking political support that could soften European Union positions on Palestinian issues. The analyst also linked the outreach to Israel’s uncertain security environment and its rivalries with Iran and, increasingly, Turkey. These are analysts’ assessments, not stated Israeli government policy.
A separate analysis by IBNA described Southeast Europe as useful to Israel because it connects European markets, NATO and EU states, countries modernising their armed forces, and energy and transport routes. It said cooperation has broadened from arms purchases to possible technology transfer, joint production, training, cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure.
There are visible examples of that expansion. Al Jazeera reported that Greece signed a reported deal for Israeli air-defence systems, while Greece, Cyprus and Israel are pursuing plans to move Eastern Mediterranean gas to Europe. Albania has signed an agreement with Israel covering trade, energy and cybersecurity, according to the broadcaster.
What do Balkan governments gain?
For governments in the region, Israel can offer defence equipment, security technology and business partnerships. Serbia has exported ammunition and arms to Israel since October 2023, Al Jazeera reported, and opened an Israeli-linked drone assembly plant in September. Vuk Vuksanovic of King’s College London told the outlet that profit has been one factor in Serbia’s defence-industry decisions.
Vuksanovic also said Belgrade sees a potential diplomatic benefit in links with Israel, including access to Israeli lobby groups and the Trump administration. Al Jazeera reported that Kosovo’s and Albania’s approaches are closely tied to their security relationships with Washington; Kosovo recognised Israel under the 2020 Washington Agreement in exchange for Israeli recognition.
The calculation is not uniform, however. Bosnia and Herzegovina shows the limits of treating the Balkans as one actor. Al Jazeera reported broad solidarity with Palestinians among Bosniak representatives and much of the public in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while leaders in the Serb-majority Republika Srpska have pursued openly pro-Israel positions.
That fragmentation means Israel’s presence is best understood as a series of bilateral arrangements. Defence procurement, trade, energy, domestic politics and relations with the United States carry different weight from one Balkan capital to another.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.