Israel Chamber of Commerce established in Republika Srpska

The Israel Chamber of Commerce has been officially established in Banja Luka, within the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Led by Amir Gross Kabiri, an Israeli businessman with ties to regional leaders such as Milorad Dodik and Dragan Čović, the institution aims to foster cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and technology.

To mark the opening, Republika Srpska officials held a ceremony to honor Israeli representatives. Siniša Karan, President of Republika Srpska, awarded the Order of the Flag of Republika Srpska with a golden wreath to Israeli Minister for Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli. Galit Peleg, Israel’s non-resident Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, received the Order of the Flag of Republika Srpska with a silver wreath.

During the ceremony, Minister Chikli stated that the chamber should serve as a “permanent contact point for Israeli companies seeking opportunities in Republika Srpska and the wider region,” describing the entity's leadership as “true friends of Israel and the Jewish people.” Prime Minister Savo Minić described the establishment as a “new chapter in our relations.”

The move highlights deepening ties between Israel and the Serb-majority entity, which has pursued a separatist agenda. This follows previous comments by Milorad Dodik, who has described Republika Srpska as the “Israel of the Balkans.”

The development has faced scrutiny from political opposition and international observers. Critics suggest the chamber may serve as a platform for political lobbying. Additionally, Kabiri’s previous business activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as the acquisition of Aluminij in Mostar, have drawn criticism from international Jewish organizations.