American filmmaker and political commentator Bekim Bahrawy, known publicly as Beck Lover, has raised concerns about Serbia’s cooperation with Israel on drone production and assembly, arguing that the development could affect the regional security balance in the Western Balkans.
Speaking in an interview with American journalist and political commentator Jimmy Dore, Bahrawy discussed the establishment of a Serbian facility for assembling drones produced by an Israeli company. He questioned why a country outside NATO, which has historically maintained close ties with Russia, was acquiring advanced military technology.
“What does not make sense is that a non-NATO country, Serbia, is being equipped with advanced military technology,” Bahrawy said.
He also referred to NATO’s 1999 bombing campaign against Serbia during the Kosovo War and the longstanding political and historical ties between Belgrade and Moscow.
Concerns Over Serbia’s Military Buildup
Bahrawy argued that the development of Serbia’s drone industry should be considered in the context of potential strategic changes in southeastern Europe.
“When people start arming themselves, it signals a major shift in power. They are preparing to make a move,” he said.
He questioned whether Serbia’s military buildup could be connected to potential future tensions in Kosovo or Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Republika Srpska.
However, Bahrawy did not establish evidence that the drone cooperation is intended for a future conflict. His remarks reflected concerns about the possible regional implications of Serbia’s military modernization.
“Kosovo Is Among the Most Pro-American Countries”
Bahrawy contrasted Serbia’s military cooperation with Israel with Kosovo’s close relationship with the United States, describing Kosovo as one of Europe’s most pro-American and pro-Western societies.
He questioned why Kosovo has not joined NATO, given its close ties with Washington and its support for the United States.
“Why are they equipping Serbia with the most modern weapons while Kosovo is still not part of NATO?” he asked.
Bahrawy also pointed to streets and public spaces in Kosovo named after American figures as symbols of the close relationship between Kosovo and the United States.
Kosovo War and NATO Intervention
A significant part of the interview focused on the Kosovo War and NATO’s 1999 intervention.
Bahrawy rejected claims that the intervention was based on propaganda or that crimes committed against Kosovo Albanians had been fabricated. He cited the Račak massacre, the mass displacement of Kosovo Albanians and international reporting on wartime abuses.
He referred to more than one million refugees and argued that NATO’s intervention helped prevent an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.
The discussion also touched on alternative interpretations of NATO’s bombing campaign and the events surrounding the Kosovo conflict. Bahrawy disputed those interpretations while emphasizing that he did not consider all Serbs responsible for crimes committed during the wars of the 1990s.
Warning Against Renewed Conflict in Bosnia
Bahrawy also raised concerns about Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly Republika Srpska, questioning whether Serbia’s military buildup could have implications for developments there.
“It is an area where we should not play with fire. Many catastrophes have happened there throughout history,” he said.
His comments reflected broader concerns about the interconnected security challenges facing Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Albanian History and Religious Coexistence
Toward the end of the interview, Bahrawy discussed Albanian identity and the history of religious coexistence among Albanians, who include Muslim, Catholic and Orthodox communities.
He also highlighted Albania’s role in sheltering and saving Jews during the Holocaust, arguing that this part of Albanian history has not received sufficient attention in popular culture and the film industry.
Bahrawy additionally discussed the historical legacy of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg and his place in Albanian and European history.
He concluded by warning against the possibility of renewed conflict in the Balkans and calling for greater emphasis on regional stability, economic development and cooperation.
