Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated in an interview with the Jerusalem Post that Serbia is the only country in Europe trading military ammunition with Israel, which has drawn criticism from his European peers. Serbia’s export of military goods to Israel reached 42.3 million euros in 2024, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Vučić emphasized that defense ties between Belgrade and Jerusalem deepened rapidly following regional conflicts, with Serbia becoming a key link in Israel’s defense supply chain. Beyond military cooperation, trade and investment relations between Serbia and Israel have reached record levels, including significant investments in renewable energy and technology. Israel has also shown diplomatic support for Serbia, notably by not supporting the UN resolution on Srebrenica, which Vučić regarded as an important sign of friendship. However, there are allegations of irregularities in arms deals, which Vučić denies. This topic elicits varied reactions in media across different political perspectives.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning media tend to emphasize the ethical and political implications of Serbia’s arms trade with Israel, highlighting concerns about the impact of military exports on regional conflicts and human rights issues. They may also scrutinize the transparency and legality of these deals, questioning the motivations behind Vučić’s pride in this trade and pointing to potential controversies or irregularities.
Center: Centrist outlets report the facts of Serbia’s increased military exports to Israel and Vučić’s statements with a balanced tone, focusing on the economic and strategic aspects of the relationship. They note the growth in trade and investment ties, the diplomatic nuances such as Israel’s stance on the Srebrenica resolution, and present both the official government perspective and the criticisms without strong bias.
Right: Right-leaning media often highlight Vučić’s statements as a demonstration of Serbia’s strategic independence and strong international partnerships. They emphasize the positive aspects of the military and economic cooperation with Israel, framing it as a success and a sign of Serbia’s growing influence. Criticism from European peers is portrayed as envy or political opposition, and Israel’s diplomatic support is underscored as a validation of Serbia’s policies.
