Milorad Dodik, president of the Republika Srpska entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, drew repeated parallels between Israel and Republika Srpska during an extended interview, framing both as nations under sustained political, legal, and ideological pressure from Europe and international institutions.
Speaking after receiving an award linked to the legacy of Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Dodik described Jabotinsky’s struggle for Jewish statehood as an inspiration for Serbs, particularly in what he said was their fight to preserve autonomy and national rights. He argued that the teachings associated with Jabotinsky remain relevant today, especially when the rights of nations, in his words, are being pushed aside.
Dodik strongly criticized what he described as rising antisemitism in Europe, singling out Sarajevo and Bosnian Muslim political institutions. He cited the cancellation of a planned conference of European rabbis in Sarajevo and alleged decisions regarding Jewish cultural funds as evidence of what he claimed was deeply rooted antisemitism unrelated to Israeli government policies.
Throughout the interview, Dodik compared criticism of Israel during the Gaza war to international treatment of Serbs during the Bosnian war, arguing that political criticism quickly transforms into collective demonization. He maintained that attacks on Israel’s legitimacy as a state ultimately threaten Jewish survival, drawing a parallel to what he described as the Serbs’ historical experience during World War II, including atrocities at the Jasenovac concentration camp.
The Republika Srpska leader also condemned European Union oversight mechanisms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the role of the international high representative, whom he accused of undermining democratic processes, imposing laws, and targeting political parties. He argued that Europe applies what he called “tenfold standards” to Israel and Republika Srpska while exempting other actors from similar scrutiny.
Support for Trump
Dodik voiced strong support for US President Donald Trump, praising him as a global stabilizing force and crediting him with reversing sanctions imposed during previous US administrations. He said he supports Trump’s approach to Israel, Gaza, and broader global affairs, which he believes could shape a new international order.
Milorad Dodik, president of the Republika Srpska entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, drew repeated parallels between Israel and Republika Srpska during an extended interview, framing both as nations under sustained political, legal, and ideological pressure from Europe and international institutions.
Speaking after receiving an award linked to the legacy of Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Dodik described Jabotinsky’s struggle for Jewish statehood as an inspiration for Serbs, particularly in what he said was their fight to preserve autonomy and national rights. He argued that the teachings associated with Jabotinsky remain relevant today, especially when the rights of nations, in his words, are being pushed aside.
Dodik strongly criticized what he described as rising antisemitism in Europe, singling out Sarajevo and Bosnian Muslim political institutions. He cited the cancellation of a planned conference of European rabbis in Sarajevo and alleged decisions regarding Jewish cultural funds as evidence of what he claimed was deeply rooted antisemitism unrelated to Israeli government policies.
Throughout the interview, Dodik compared criticism of Israel during the Gaza war to international treatment of Serbs during the Bosnian war, arguing that political criticism quickly transforms into collective demonization. He maintained that attacks on Israel’s legitimacy as a state ultimately threaten Jewish survival, drawing a parallel to what he described as the Serbs’ historical experience during World War II, including atrocities at the Jasenovac concentration camp.
The Republika Srpska leader also condemned European Union oversight mechanisms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the role of the international high representative, whom he accused of undermining democratic processes, imposing laws, and targeting political parties. He argued that Europe applies what he called “tenfold standards” to Israel and Republika Srpska while exempting other actors from similar scrutiny.
Dodik voiced strong support for US President Donald Trump, praising him as a global stabilizing force and crediting him with reversing sanctions imposed during previous US administrations. He said he supports Trump’s approach to Israel, Gaza, and broader global affairs, which he believes could shape a new international order.