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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Serbia Deepens Military Ties With Israel Amid Middle East Conflict

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Serbia has significantly deepened its military and intelligence ties with Israel, becoming a key supplier of munitions amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
  • Despite Serbia's historical ties to Russia and a desire for neutrality, it responded swiftly to Israeli requests for ammunition following the October 8 Hamas attack.
  • This burgeoning relationship contrasts with strains between Israel and other European nations over the Gaza conflict, highlighting Serbia's unique geopolitical position.

Serbia has emerged as one of Israel's closest European allies, particularly in the realm of defense, with ties accelerating significantly over the past three years of conflict in the Middle East. This relationship has flourished even as Israel faces criticism from several European countries over its war against Hamas in Gaza.

unwavering support, both in word and deed

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Serbia’s support following a telephone conversation with President Vucic.

Despite Serbia's complex geopolitical position, including its historical connections to Russia and President Alexander Vucic's efforts to maintain a neutral stance between the US and China, the growing bond with Israel is notable. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has criticized Belgrade's cooperation with Israel, specifically mentioning the provision of military supplies. However, Israeli and Serbian leaders would likely dispute her characterization of these actions as shameful.

Reporting indicates that Israeli officials contacted Serbian counterparts as early as October 8, 2026, seeking ammunition. Serbia reportedly approved the export order within four days, with munitions en route to Israel. By mid-2024, Belgrade had exported €16.3 million worth of munitions to Israel, a dramatic increase from the €540,000 exported in the entirety of 2023 before the Hamas attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked Vucic in February 2024, calling him a "true friend of Israel."

a true friend of Israel

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Serbian President Vucic during a public statement.

The value of Serbian arms exports to Israel continued to rise exponentially, increasing by 140% in 2025 to reach €114 million. This deepening military and intelligence cooperation underscores Serbia's evolving role in European security and its strategic alignment with Israel.

cooperating “without shame” with Israel

— Francesca AlbaneseUN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese admonished Belgrade for its cooperation with Israel, including providing military supplies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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