Full Breakdown
Israeli Chamber of Commerce Opens Office in Banja Luka, Deepening RS-Israel Ties
9/6/2026, 11:27:38 PM
Inauguration of the Banja Luka Office
On September 3, 2026, a new representative office of the Israel Chamber of Commerce was inaugurated in Banja Luka, the administrative centre of Republika Srpska (RS). The ceremony was attended by Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, outgoing non-resident Israeli Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Galit Peleg, RS President Milorad Dodik, and senior RS officials. Israeli businessman Amir Gross Kabiri was named head of the office.
Background & Context
RS has voiced a pro-Israeli stance since the Gaza war of October 2023, repeatedly supporting Israel’s right to self-defence. Israel, seeking new economic contacts in the Balkans, views the RS partnership as a conduit to the EU market and a counterbalance to regional rivals.
Official Statements & Responses
Minister Chikli said the office should serve as a practical mechanism for business development and urged Israeli delegations to visit Banja Luka. Ambassador Peleg described it as a platform for “investment cooperation” and noted the venue was offered after RS authorities provided a building. President Isaac Herzog, in a message delivered at the ceremony, said the office would provide a “permanent platform for expanding cooperation” across sectors such as advanced industry, agriculture, water management, and health.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Israeli officials portray the office as a catalyst for concrete trade projects, while analysts question the tangible economic impact, noting the lack of disclosed investment details. Coordination with Sarajevo’s authorities remains unclear, raising concerns about parallel diplomatic tracks within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We maintain a high degree of understanding and support for Israel and, of course, for the Jewish people as a whole,” — Milorad Dodik, RS president
- “This chamber must not be merely ceremonial – it must work,” — Amichai Chikli, combating antisemitism minister
- “The opening of this office gives practical expression to the friendship that has grown steadily over many years,” — Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
What’s Next
Minister Chikli called for reciprocal business delegations to identify projects and sign agreements, signalling plans for ongoing trade missions. RS officials indicated a forthcoming support programme for Israeli technologies, though details remain undisclosed. The office’s activities will be monitored for their impact on both RS’s economy and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political cohesion.
