Israel has announced that it is cutting all contact with the European Union’s top foreign policy official, Kaja Kallas, after reports claimed she compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to South Africa’s former apartheid system.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made the announcement on June 18, saying the reported comments were unacceptable and demanded that Kallas withdraw them. According to Saar, the remarks were made during a visit to Mexico and were later reported by European media. He said Israel would not resume contact with Kallas unless she publicly retracts the comparison.
The dispute has added to growing tensions between Israel and the European Union. In recent months, several EU officials and member states have criticized Israeli policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The EU has also voiced concerns about the expansion of Israeli settlements, which it says harm the chances of a future peace agreement.
Kallas did not directly confirm or deny the reported remarks. However, she responded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue between the European Union and Israel. She said the EU remains committed to constructive relations while continuing to support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The disagreement comes at a time when relations between Israel and parts of Europe are already under strain. European leaders have increasingly debated how to respond to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with some governments pushing for stronger measures against Israeli officials and policies.
Israeli officials argue that comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa is unfair and damaging. Supporters of the comparison, however, say it reflects concerns about the treatment of Palestinians and the continuing conflict in the region. The issue remains highly sensitive and continues to divide political leaders around the world.
For now, the diplomatic dispute shows no sign of ending quickly. Unless both sides find common ground, relations between Israel and the EU’s foreign policy leadership could remain tense in the weeks ahead.
