Israel cuts contact with EU foreign policy chief over apartheid comparison
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar halted all communication with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on Thursday, accusing her of comparing Israel to the South African apartheid regime and demanding a retraction. Kallas responded by stating she remains open to dialogue.
The announcement
Gideon Sa'ar announced on X that he was severing all contact with Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Israeli minister said Kallas has been acting 'obsessively and with blatant unfairness' toward Israel.
Recently, it was published that during her visit to Mexico, she compared Israel to the racist apartheid regime that existed in South Africa. As Foreign Minister of the State of Israel, I have no choice but to cut all contact with Ms. Kallas until she retracts the blood libel she directed at the only Jewish state in the world, which is also the only democracy in the Middle East.
Sa'ar thanked European elected representatives who condemned the reported remark. The move deepens friction between Brussels and Jerusalem, already strained since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023.
The controversial remark
The alleged comparison surfaced on 12 June when Euractiv published a report based on officials and diplomats present at closed-door meetings during Kallas's 20–22 May visit to Mexico. According to the report, Kallas described how deeply a visit last year to South Africa and its apartheid museum in Johannesburg had moved her, then drew a parallel with Israeli policies. Kallas has neither confirmed nor denied the statement; asked by journalists, she declined to comment.
- Kallas visits Mexico; reportedly draws apartheid comparison during closed-door meetings.
- Euractiv publishes an article quoting officials present at the Mexico talks.
- Gideon Sa'ar announces on X that he is cutting all contact with Kallas.
- Kaja Kallas posts a response, stating she remains open to constructive dialogue.
EU divisions
The remark did not command unanimous EU backing. While Ireland and Spain showed some understanding, Germany and France categorically distanced themselves, according to Euractiv. An EU diplomat quoted by the outlet called the comparison unacceptable and inconsistent with EU policy.
The comparison with apartheid is inadmissible and not in line with EU policy. It is a serious problem if she makes such statements while officially representing the EU internationally.
Kallas responds
Hours after Sa'ar's announcement, Kallas posted on X addressing the Israeli minister. She reiterated the EU's commitment to a two-state solution and to maintaining a constructive relationship with Israel.
I appreciate our dialogue and cooperation and remain open to continuing them in a spirit of mutual respect and constructive approach.
Kallas also underlined that she has repeatedly condemned Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, where more than 500,000 Israelis live alongside roughly three million Palestinians in settlements illegal under international law.
