Israeli officials opened an Israeli Chamber of Commerce office on Thursday in Banja Luka, the seat of Republika Srpska.

The nationalist leadership of the Serb-dominated entity has pursued an increasingly separatist agenda threatening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unity while fostering closer relations with Israel.

The opening of the Chamber of Commerce marks another step in Israel’s push for greater influence in the Balkans as it faces increasing international isolation.

It also reflects Israel’s growing willingness to cultivate destabilising political movements and entities seeking greater autonomy or independence from internationally recognised states.

The higly controversial Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli attended the ceremony. Chikli has supported the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza.