Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has severed all personal contact with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following leaked reports that she compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa.

 

Israel cuts ties with EU's Kaja Kallas over alleged apartheid comparison

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has severed all personal contact with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following leaked reports that she compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa.

The Core Dispute

• The Allegation: A report published by European news outlet Euractiv revealed that during a closed-door diplomatic trip to Mexico in May 2026, Kallas privately compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank to the racist apartheid system. She reportedly mentioned being moved by a visit to Johannesburg's apartheid museum.
• Israel's Reaction: Minister Sa'ar accused Kallas of acting "obsessively and with blatant unfairness" toward Israel, branding the alleged remarks a "blood libel". Sa'ar stated he will maintain the freeze until she explicitly retracts or denies the statement.
• Kallas's Response: Kallas has refused to confirm or deny making the remarks. Instead, she posted a response on X stating that she values dialogue as the foundation of diplomacy and reiterated that the EU remains firmly committed to a two-state solution.

Broader Context and Fallout

• Targeted Sanction: Israeli officials clarified that the freeze is directed strictly at Kallas as an individual. Israel will continue to communicate with the broader European Commission and the European External Action Service.
• EU Internal Friction: The dispute highlights ongoing divisions within the European Union regarding Israel policy. While countries like Ireland have defended Kallas and called Israel's freeze "unacceptable," others, such as Germany's Armin Laschet, criticized Kallas for making ill-judged remarks that threaten cohesive European foreign policy.
• Escalating Tensions: This diplomatic break marks a new low in Brussels-Jerusalem relations. It follows a series of policy clashes, including Kallas exploring partial suspensions of the EU-Israel trade agreement and pushing for sanctions against far-right Israeli ministers