Israel’s survival story inspires vision for Republika Srpska’s future, Milorad Dodik tells 'Post'

Milorad Dodik, the leader of Republika Srpska, expressed his aspiration for the entity's independence from Bosnia and Herzegovina and eventual union with Serbia, stating, "I dream about it. Absolutely." He articulated this vision during an interview with The Jerusalem Post in Banja Luka, where he drew parallels between the historical struggles of Serbs and Jews, emphasizing a shared experience of persecution and the need for self-defense. Dodik's remarks coincided with the inauguration of the Israel Chamber of Commerce representative office in Banja Luka, an initiative aimed at fostering economic cooperation and strengthening political ties between Israel and Republika Srpska. He highlighted Republika Srpska's solidarity with Israel, particularly after the October 7 attacks, and asserted that both entities are fighting to preserve their states and peoples. However, the comparison is contentious given Republika Srpska's status as an autonomous entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina and the historical context of its creation, which involved systematic campaigns of ethnic cleansing by Bosnian Serb forces during the Bosnian War.