Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Thursday the termination of relations with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, citing a Euractiv report alleging she compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to South Africa’s apartheid regime during a 2023 visit to Mexico. Saar demanded clarification or a public retraction, stating he would maintain severed contact until the matter is resolved.
The decision underscores escalating tensions between Israel and the EU following the October 7 attacks and longstanding disputes over Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. Kallas, who previously served as Estonian Prime Minister, has faced criticism from multiple EU governments over perceived gaffes and policy inconsistencies within her role at the European External Action Service (EEAS).
In his remarks, Saar highlighted the Euractiv report’s accusations, stating Kallas had deemed Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank equivalent to apartheid-era policies. He praised European officials, including German Christian Democrat Armin Laschet, who condemned the report but emphasized that no official clarification from Kallas had been provided.
“This statement qualifies as a blood libel against Israel—the world’s only Jewish democracy—and until she addresses it directly, my engagement will remain suspended,” Saar asserted.
Kallas Maintains EU-Israel Engagement Amid Criticism
Kallas responded to Saar’s accusations in a private message, emphasizing the importance of EU-Israel cooperation. “We share significant common ground,” she wrote, pledging to “continue dialogue respectfully.” She reiterated the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution and condemned Israeli settlements, aligning with its official stance.
Separately, Kallas announced plans for sanctions targeting Israeli settlers in the West Bank, though a unified EU approach remains unclear. Member states like Germany and Spain have pushed for stricter measures, including potential trade restrictions, while others express caution.
Origins of the Apartheid Controversy
The Euractiv report, based on unnamed EU officials and diplomats present during Kallas’ Mexico delegation, alleged she drew parallels between Israel’s policies and South Africa’s apartheid. The outlet claimed she referenced a visit to Johannesburg’s apartheid museum, though Kallas’ office declined to comment.
Sebastian, an EU diplomat cited in the report, stated: “Such comparisons are unacceptable and contradict EU policy. If Kallas made these remarks officially, it poses a significant diplomatic challenge.” Kallas’ team has not addressed the specific allegations.
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EU-Israel Dynamics and Member State Variance
While the EU presents a unified position on core issues like settlements, member states exhibit divergent stances. Germany and Hungary tend to support Israel more robustly, whereas Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland tend to adopt more critical positions. Saar acknowledged this diversity but stressed the EU’s collective criticism of settlements.
Following Kallas’ statements, Saar reiterated his position: “If she refuses to address these claims publicly, the decision to sever ties will remain firm.” The EU-Israel relationship faces further scrutiny as both sides navigate complex geopolitical dynamics.
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