Israeli Foreign Minister Severs Ties with EU's Kallas Over Apartheid Comparison

On Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar issued a statement declaring the suspension of all communication with Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The decision was prompted by reports that Kallas had likened Israel to the apartheid system that existed in South Africa prior to 1994. Sa'ar described the comparison as deeply offensive and incompatible with the respect expected in diplomatic relations. His office emphasized that such remarks undermine the mutual trust necessary for dialogue. The move effectively closes official channels between the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Kallas's office. This decision escalates existing tensions between Israel and the EU, particularly over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The EU has not yet officially responded to the announcement. Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister who took office in December 2024, has been a proponent of the two-state solution and has criticized Israeli settlement expansion. The incident may complicate future cooperation between Israel and the European Union.