The multi-day visit of the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, to Israel has sparked strong political reactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and reopened discussions about the relationship between Republika Srpska and Israel, as well as the country’s deep internal political divisions.
Meetings with Israel’s highest-ranking officials, her address at a prestigious summit in Tel Aviv, and messages from Israeli officials regarding the position of Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina have attracted considerable public attention.
While some view the visit as confirmation of Republika Srpska’s growing international standing and diplomatic outreach, others interpret it as part of broader political messaging directed at the region. Particular attention has been drawn to the reactions of the SDA party to statements made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, as well as the responses from the SNSD.
Speaking on RTRS Morning Programme, international relations expert Luciano Kaluža described Cvijanović’s visit as significant, stressing that Republika Srpska and Israel have built a relationship based on friendship and mutual understanding.
“Israel has a very good understanding of everything that happened here. Such relations did not exist in the past, but Republika Srpska has now developed a different level of cooperation and made a major step forward in understanding Israel’s struggle for its state, while the same understanding exists on the other side as well. These ties are strong and continue to develop in various fields,” Kaluža said.
According to him, Israel attached great importance to Cvijanović’s visit.
“The fact that she met with Israel’s top leadership demonstrates that the country’s highest authorities are willing to cooperate and discuss the most sensitive issues affecting Bosnia and Herzegovina. The visit itself resembled a meeting between two equal partners,” Kaluža stated.
He added that such cooperation with Israel should continue to be strengthened.
“All of this shows that Israel recognises Republika Srpska and sees it as a partner that understands its needs. Israel fights for its survival every day, and when it finds friends like us, it demonstrates remarkable friendship in return. Republika Srpska has recognised Israel’s struggle for survival, and Israel values that,” he said.
Kaluža described the reactions from Sarajevo as expected.
“In the past, only one political narrative was promoted through diplomatic channels. Republika Srpska has now opened itself to the world, circumstances have changed, and the international community has realised that it also needs to engage with us. That is why these developments have been met with criticism from Sarajevo. The truth about Republika Srpska is reaching the world. At the same time, Sarajevo’s political establishment is marginalising itself, while representatives of Republika Srpska are being received at the highest levels in major international centres,” Kaluža said.
Although Israel is geographically distant, he emphasised that maintaining close ties remains strategically important.
“Israeli companies are important potential partners for economic cooperation, while security cooperation is equally significant. Israel’s Constitution and laws guarantee protection for every Jew wherever they are in the world. They understand the importance of having security structures capable of protecting their people, and for that reason it is valuable for Republika Srpska to have Israel as a friend,” Kaluža concluded.
Source: RTRS
