JERUSALEM/BRUSSELS: Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday that he is severing all official contact with the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, following reported remarks in which she allegedly compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
The decision marks a sharp escalation in already strained relations between Israel and the European Union, which have deteriorated significantly since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Tensions have further intensified amid rising violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, a recurring point of dispute between the two sides.
Saar accused Kallas of acting “obsessively and with blatant unfairness” toward Israel, stating that her alleged comments amounted to what he described as a “blood libel” against the country. He added that he would maintain the suspension of contact unless she either retracts or clarifies the remarks.
The controversy stems from a report by European news outlet Euractiv, which claimed that Kallas made the comments during a closed-door meeting with Mexican officials last month. Saar said no clarification or denial had been issued, leaving him with “no choice” but to cut ties.
In response, Kallas declined to directly address the alleged remarks, stating in Brussels that she would not comment on discussions held behind closed doors.
She acknowledged ongoing disagreements with Israel, particularly regarding settlement expansion and violence by settlers in the West Bank, but said she had maintained “open and frank” dialogue with Israeli officials.
“I will not go down that road of commenting on what was said or not said behind closed doors,” she said, speaking on arrival at an EU summit where relations with Israel were expected to be discussed.
The diplomatic fallout comes as EU leaders consider potential next steps on Israel policy, including possible sanctions on Israeli ministers and measures targeting settlement-linked trade in the occupied West Bank. The issue is expected to draw further debate during the Brussels summit.
Several European leaders have expressed concern over the dispute. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he did not support the language used in the controversy and stressed the need for further discussion.
Meanwhile, Saar reiterated his position on social media platform X, challenging Kallas to either confirm or deny the reported remarks, saying his decision would remain unchanged until clarification is provided.
The escalation could also affect ongoing cooperation between Israel and the EU, including the renewal of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is due for extension in the coming days.
Diplomatic and security officials have warned that rising tensions may complicate coordination on sensitive regional issues, even as the Gaza conflict and West Bank violence continue to strain international relations.
