Israeli President Visits Serbia to Strengthen Economic Partnerships and Rally for Hostages

Israeli President Isaac Herzog embarked on a pivotal two-day visit to the Balkans, starting with a meeting in Belgrade with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Herzog’s visit is part of an effort to rally international support for the release of hostages held by Hamas while also exploring opportunities to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation between Israel and Serbia.

At the heart of Herzog’s diplomatic mission is the plight of over 100 Israeli hostages. Among them is Alon Ohel, a young Israeli of Serbian descent, who was taken captive during the brutal Hamas attack on October 7. His mother, Idit Ohel, accompanied Herzog to Belgrade, carrying a picture of her son as a powerful reminder of the urgency of their release. Speaking directly to Vučić, Herzog emphasized, “The world must remember and know that the plight and the return of the hostages should be the utmost objective of the international community.”

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, who welcomed Herzog on his arrival, has a personal connection to the cause, as he is related to the Ohel family. This connection further deepened the discussions around international efforts to secure the hostages' safe return.

In addition to the humanitarian focus, Herzog’s visit underscores the importance of forging stronger economic ties between Israel and Serbia. Accompanied by a delegation of Israeli business leaders and officials, Herzog is working to explore new avenues of industrial cooperation, with particular interest in technology and innovation.

The trip also carries a historical and cultural significance, with Herzog participating in a memorial ceremony for Holocaust victims and meeting members of the local Jewish community. His next stop will be Tirana, Albania’s capital, marking the first visit by an Israeli leader to the predominantly Muslim nation. There, Herzog will meet with Albanian leaders and pay tribute to the descendants of Albanians honored as “Righteous Among the Nations” for their bravery in saving Jews during the Holocaust.

As Israel seeks stronger diplomatic and economic alliances, Herzog’s historic tour of the Balkans offers a moment to reflect on shared histories and explore new partnerships for the future. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Israel’s diplomatic efforts and global connections.