From: NewsFeed
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)
Slovenia
![[Veronica Snoj/Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_1562-1789646436.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![People protest against the opening of the Israeli embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 9, 2026. [REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/image-1788987154.jpg?resize=770%2C433&quality=80)
![People protest against Eurovision and Israel's participation ahead of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, on May 16, 2026. [Lisa Leutner/Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-05-16T164810Z_2044188099_RC2GALAKJOJU_RTRMADP_3_MUSIC-EUROVISION-1787564346.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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