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Israel opens Chamber of Commerce office in Banja Luka
The Israeli Chamber of Commerce has opened a new office in Banja Luka, the administrative center of Republika Srpska, to strengthen economic and political ties between Israel and the Bosnian Serb entity.
The opening ceremony included Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Galit Peleg, and Milorad Dodik, the former president and effective leader of Republika Srpska. Chikli stated the office should serve as a “permanent contact point for Israeli companies seeking opportunities in Republika Srpska and the wider region.”
This development occurs amid heightened regional tensions. While the Sarajevo-based Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Republika Srpska leadership has maintained strong pro-Israeli stances. Dodik has previously described Republika Srpska as the “Israel of the Balkans” and has expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Entities
Amichai Chikli · Banja Luka · Galit Peleg · Israel Chamber of Commerce · Israeli Chamber of Commerce · Milorad Dodik · Republika Srpska
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Milorad Dodik expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defence following the outbreak of the Gaza war. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · barbadosgazette.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Banja Luka to strengthen ties. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · barbadosgazette.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Milorad Dodik has been banned from holding political office for six years following a conviction. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · barbadosgazette.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] In August 2025, Milorad Dodik stated that a state that does not exist in reality cannot be lawfully recognised. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · barbadosgazette.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Israel’s Ambassador Galit Peleg stated the new office aims to connect businesses and promote investment cooperation. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · barbadosgazette.com