‘Each country goes its own way’: How Balkan politics shape ties with Israel

Throughout Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, Europe’s position has, to an extent, been aligned. Outliers such as Spain and the Republic of Ireland have long been more vocal in condemning Israel, but overall, the shift from unconditional solidarity with Israel to concern over its conduct has taken hold in much of the continent. Across the Balkans, divergent policies towards Israel reflect domestic calculations, transactional diplomacy, and unresolved identity politics rather than a shared vision for the Middle East, according to experts.