Serbia and Israel Deepen Military Cooperation Amid Legal Controversies

Serbia is advancing its military capabilities through a joint venture with Elbit Systems to open a drone factory in Šimanovci, expected to produce advanced UAVs. Defense expenditures are projected to rise from €1.27 billion in 2020 to €2.32 billion in 2024, with significant investments in Israeli arms, highlighted by a $1.6 billion deal in August 2025.

The partnership is controversial; arms shipments to Israel have increased dramatically, despite international objections and potential violations of the Genocide Convention. Concurrently, the political situation surrounding Israeli fugitive Yisrael Einhorn in Serbia could affect future extradition efforts, as legal assessments regarding national security implications shift. The collaboration between Serbia and Israel, while economically beneficial, raises concerns about legal and reputational risks amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.