Israel Severs Ties With EU Foreign Policy Office as Dispute Over ‘Apartheid’ Remarks Intensifies
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by Ailin Vilches Arguello
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas speaks to the media on the day of the European Union Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 24, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman
Israel has cut off official contact with the office of EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas after remarks reportedly attributed to her comparing Israeli policies to those of apartheid-era South Africa sparked a sharp diplomatic confrontation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the break in ties after Kallas — who has served as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy since 2024 — was cited in multiple media reports as having likened Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank to apartheid-era South Africa. The remarks were made during a visit to Mexico City last month, where Kallas was attending a summit as part of an EU delegation.
Saar announced the severance of ties in a post on X, writing that Kallas “has for some time now been acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness toward the State of Israel.” He added that “to date, no denial, clarification or response has been issued by her regarding this severe statement.”
“Therefore, 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, which is also the only democracy in the Middle East,” Saar continued.
Ms. @kajakallas, the EU High Rep. for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has for some time now been acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness toward the State of Israel.
Recently, it was published that during her visit to Mexico, she compared Israel to the racist…
— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 18, 2026
Kallas responded by emphasizing her commitment to dialogue, writing on X that she valued “dialogue and engagement” with Israel and remained open to continuing it “respectfully and constructively.”
“Dialogue is the foundation of diplomacy, especially when differences arise. The EU is always committed to a constructive relationship with Israel,” the EU’s top diplomat wrote. She also reiterated the bloc’s support for a two-state solution and its opposition to Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, describing the settlements as illegal and an obstacle to a negotiated peace.
Saar escalated his criticism in a follow-up post, pressing Kallas to clarify her position. “Even in your remarks here you refrain from denying or condemning what has been attributed to you and published publicly,” he wrote.
“To the best of my knowledge, the statements attributed to you regarding ‘apartheid’ do not reflect the position of the European Union,” Saar added. “The matter is simple: if you did indeed make these vile and defamatory statements, stand behind them. If you did not make them, deny it. Until this matter is cleared up, my decision will remain unchanged.”
The diplomatic row represents a further deterioration in already strained ties between Israel and the EU.
Madam,
With all due respect, even in your remarks here you refrain from denying or condemning what has been attributed to you and published publicly. That speaks for itself.
To the best of my knowledge, the statements attributed to you regarding “apartheid” do not reflect the… https://t.co/kETNPXTZK8
— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 18, 2026
