A diplomatic dispute has intensified between the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar after reports emerged that Kallas compared Israel to South Africa during the apartheid era.
The controversy stems from comments allegedly made by Kallas during a visit to Mexico in May, where she met senior government officials as part of efforts to deepen cooperation between the European Union and Latin American countries.
Sa'ar publicly criticized the reported remarks and said he had received no clarification or denial from the EU's top diplomat. “To date, no denial, clarification or response has been issued by her regarding this severe statement,” he wrote on social media. He added that, as a result, he had decided to halt communication with Kallas, stating: “I have no choice but to sever all contact with Ms. Kallas until she retracts the blood libel she directed at the world’s only Jewish state.”
In response, Kallas did not directly address the apartheid allegation. Instead, she emphasized the importance of maintaining communication between the EU and Israel and reaffirmed Brussels’ commitment to constructive relations.
“I value dialogue and engagement with Israel,” Kallas said, adding that the European Union remains committed to a “constructive relationship.”
