Israel says cutting ties with top EU diplomat over ‘apartheid’ comments | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has suspended contact with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following reports she compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to South Africa’s former apartheid system. The diplomatic break follows a report by news outlet Euractiv stating Kallas made these remarks during high-level talks with Mexican officials in May.
According to Euractiv, which cited unnamed diplomats and officials, Kallas compared policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to the racial segregation regime that ruled South Africa until the early 1990s.
Saar announced the suspension of ties in a post on X on Thursday, accusing Kallas of “blatant unfairness” and a “longstanding bias” against Israel. He described the reported comments as a “blood libel” and stated he had “no choice but to sever all contact” until Kallas retracts the remarks.
How did Kaja Kallas respond to the allegations?
Kallas responded on X, stating that the EU remains committed to maintaining relations with Israel. She wrote, “Dialogue is the foundation of diplomacy, especially when differences arise,” and emphasized the bonds between the EU and Israel.
While Kallas reiterated EU support for a two-state solution and opposition to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank—which Brussels views as illegal under international law—she did not directly address or deny the apartheid allegation.
Saar responded less than an hour later, stating that Kallas’s post did not change his decision to cut ties because she failed to deny or condemn the attributed comments.
What is the international context of these claims?
The dispute occurs as international bodies increase scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. In January, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded Israel was “violating international law” by failing to prohibit and eradicate racial segregation and apartheid.
That UN report found Palestinians are subjected to “large-scale confiscation of land and deprivation of access to resources.” These findings align with a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory unlawful and cited concerns over apartheid.
What may happen next in the diplomatic row?
Relations between Saar and Kallas may remain severed if Kallas continues to decline a formal retraction of the reported comments. A possible next step could involve higher-level EU mediation to restore the dialogue Kallas described as the “foundation of diplomacy.”
The tension is likely to persist as long as the EU maintains its stance on the illegality of West Bank settlements and international bodies continue to issue findings regarding racial segregation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gideon Saar suspend contact with Kaja Kallas?
Saar took this action after Euractiv reported that Kallas compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank to South Africa’s former apartheid system during meetings with Mexican officials.
Did Kaja Kallas deny making the apartheid comments?
No. While she stressed the importance of EU-Israel relations and dialogue on X, she did not directly address or deny the specific allegation.
What did the ICJ conclude regarding the Palestinian territories?
In a July 2024 advisory opinion, the ICJ found Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory to be unlawful and raised concerns regarding racial segregation and apartheid.
Do you believe formal retractions are necessary to maintain diplomatic ties between international allies?