Ambassador: Israel Recognizes Kosovo Under U.S. Pressure

Yahel Vilan (BETAPHOTO/DRAGAN GOJIC/MO)

The Israeli ambassador to Serbia, Jahel Vilan, said on May 12 that Israel had recognized the independence of Kosovo under pressure from the United States, as part of an agreement Serbia and Kosovo had signed with the U.S.

"Israel decided to recognize Kosovo under U.S. pressure, and it is important to note that it was done within an agreement Serbia and Kosovo had signed with the United States, not Israel. I'm not trying to hide behind it, it was a decision Israel made after years of refusing to recognize Kosovo's independence. It's definitely against our interests in Serbia, and my own," Vilan said in an interview with the Prva TV.

When asked if Israel could reconsider the decision, the ambassador said he didn't see any reason why the country would withdraw the recognition.

"I'd rather not leave any room for Serbian optimism without good reason. At this point I don't see that happening. The agreement has been reached. Israel has recognized Kosovo, and Kosovo will move its embassy to Jerusalem. It's done, and I don't see any reason for Israel to withdraw the decision to recognize Kosovo's independence as long as both sides fulfill their obligations," the Israeli diplomat explained.