Why is Israel increasing its presence in the Balkans?
In the Balkans, leaders are deepening ties with Israel through defence, surveillance, and political backing. But why?
![Across the Balkans, leaders are deepening ties with Israel through defence, surveillance, and political backing. But why? [Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-1792792880.jpg?resize=770%2C433&quality=80)
In the Balkans, leaders are deepening ties with Israel through defence, surveillance, and political backing. But why?
![Across the Balkans, leaders are deepening ties with Israel through defence, surveillance, and political backing. But why? [Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-1792792880.jpg?resize=770%2C433&quality=80)









Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic has resigned as president and will lead his ruling party into a snap parliamentary election.
Despite student-led protests and political unrest challenging his rule, Vucic intends to run in the snap elections.
Critics say Serbia’s military ties with Israel are rising significantly.
A newly approved government offers Kosovo only brief respite before a contentious presidential vote.
EU leaders condemn Serbian officials’ presence at Ratko Mladic’s funeral as a failure to confront past war crimes.
Thirty years of international justice has taught political leaders little.
Thousands attend funeral of war criminal Ratko Mladic in Serbia
Upcoming election viewed as bid to tighten President Vucic’s rule after months of mass street protests.
Red Star fans honoured convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic. Analysts say that’s nothing new – and that’s the problem.
The funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic has been held in Serbia’s capital with state honours.