In the early hours of October 28, 2026, an incident occurred near the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade that both Serbian and Israeli authorities have classified as a terrorist act. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially confirmed a "failed terrorist attack" near the diplomatic mission, noting that none of the embassy staff were injured. Serbian police, in turn, reported that the attack took place late at night when the embassy was already closed to visitors.
Course of the Attack and Security Actions
According to Serbian police, the suspect entered the embassy grounds through the main entrance and attacked an elite protection unit officer on duty guarding the building with a knife. As a result of the clash, the officer sustained minor facial injuries but managed to open fire and shoot the attacker dead. Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic specified that the teenager was carrying two knives. During the attack, he shouted "Allahu Akbar" — a phrase meaning "God is greatest" in Arabic.
Serbian Authorities' Reaction and Threat Level Increase
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic stated that the Serbian police view the incident as a "terrorist act." In connection with the incident, the country's terrorist threat level was raised to the highest level, and law enforcement presence in key locations in Belgrade and other cities was reinforced. The relevant Serbian authorities are already investigating the circumstances of the attack, including establishing motives and potential links between the suspect and other individuals.
Israel's Position
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed information regarding a "failed terrorist act" near its embassy in Serbia. The statement emphasized that no diplomatic mission employees were injured in the incident. The Israeli side expressed readiness to cooperate with Serbian law enforcement agencies as part of a joint investigation.
Suspect Profile
According to Ivica Dacic, the attacker was a teenager, presumably from the town of Šabac in western Serbia. Serbian security services, according to the minister, had previously monitored this individual. Available information indicates that the suspect adhered to the ideas of the self-proclaimed terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS) and posted the organization's black flag on his personal Instagram page. These circumstances are expected to become a key focus of the investigation.
Investigation and Next Steps
At the time of publication, Serbian law enforcement agencies continue working to establish all circumstances of the incident. The heightened terrorist threat level and increased police presence in public spaces remain in effect. According to available data, the Israeli and Serbian sides are coordinating actions within the framework of bilateral security cooperation. The results of the investigation and possible additional security measures will be announced as official information becomes available.
