Israel Cuts Contact With EU's Kallas Over Reported Apartheid Comparison, Deepening Diplomatic Rift
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · Jun 18
Israel Cuts Contact With EU's Kallas Over Reported Apartheid Comparison, Deepening Diplomatic Rift
3 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · Jun 18
Summary
Gideon Sa’ar said Israel is severing all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas until she retracts remarks reportedly comparing Israel to South Africa’s apartheid regime.
A week after the comments were published, Sa’ar said Kallas had offered no denial, clarification or other response, leaving him with “no choice” but to cut ties.
The clash marks another low in Israel’s dealings with EU foreign-policy leadership after Jerusalem also boycotted Kallas’ predecessor, Josep Borrell, over his positions on the war and Israel’s conduct.
Kallas had initially been viewed in Jerusalem as relatively balanced, but Israeli officials say her tone has hardened over the past year alongside a broader shift among many EU leaders toward Israel.