Ana Brnabić, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, arrived in Israel on July 7 for an official visit lasting until July 9. During her visit, Brnabić met with the father of Alon Ohel, one of the Serbian citizens still held hostage by Hamas since October 7 last year. She also held talks with the Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana, in Jerusalem, emphasizing that Serbia and Israel will continue to strengthen their friendship and cooperation in all areas, especially in these difficult times. Brnabić appealed for the immediate release of Alon Ohel and all hostages, expressing condolences over the death of five Israeli soldiers in a bomb explosion in northern Gaza. She highlighted the long-standing friendship between the Serbian and Jewish peoples, recalling their shared suffering during World War II and the importance of remembering the Holocaust. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana thanked Serbia for its support and noted that Brnabić is the first foreign parliament speaker to visit Israel after the recent war, a sign of true friendship in times of crisis. During the visit, Brnabić will also meet with Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and President Isaac Herzog. Ohana stressed that the friendship between Serbia and Israel is not symbolic but based on actions, including opening Serbia’s office in Jerusalem and a firm stance against the BDS movement. The visit comes at a moment of great historical significance, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds talks in Washington about the region’s future. This visit confirms that true friendships are revealed in the toughest times, and Serbia and Israel continue to build bridges of cooperation and support despite challenges.
