Israel has refused to recognize Kosovo, Pristina-based Koha is reporting. According to the report, Israel did this "although Hashim Thaci made a good offer to the government of Benjamin Netanyahu."

According to the Director for the Balkans in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dan Orian, two months ago Thaci suggested that Kosovo should open its diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, in exchange for getting recognized by Israel.

"Our position is quite clear. We will not recognize Kosovo's independence, and, to the best of my knowledge, there is no reason to change our position. Israel is fully aware of how sensitive this issue is in the Balkans," Israeli MFA spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon said, Koha is reporting in its online edition.

The report added that Orian has informed Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic that "Kosovo will open a trade representative office in Israel, that will be managed by an Israeli businessman."