Israel breaks with EU foreign policy chief for comparing its treatment of Palestinians to apartheid South Africa

Israel has severed diplomatic ties with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, following allegations that she compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to the apartheid regime in South Africa. The decision was announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who accused Kallas of acting "obsessively" and with "disgraceful indecency" toward Israel over an extended period. According to Saar, these accusations stem from remarks attributed to Kallas during her visit to Mexico, where she reportedly equated Israel’s policies with the racist system that existed in South Africa under apartheid.

Saar emphasized that he had no choice but to cut all contact with Kallas until she publicly retracted the alleged statements. He described the accusations as "infamous blood libels" against the only Jewish state and the sole democracy in the Middle East. In a statement released via the social media platform X, Saar reiterated his stance, stating that Kallas did not deny or condemn the claims made about her, which he argued spoke volumes about her position on the matter. He also noted that the statements attributed to her did not reflect the official stance of the European Union.

In response, Kallas expressed her commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with Israel. She stated on X that the EU and Israel share many common values and interests, and she valued their dialogue and cooperation. She emphasized that the foundation of diplomacy lies in open communication, especially when differences arise. Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace in the Middle East and condemned illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which she said complicate achieving this goal.

Despite Kallas’s efforts to clarify her position, Saar remained unconvinced. He pointed out that she neither denied nor condemned the alleged comments, which he viewed as evidence of her unwillingness to distance herself from them. He further claimed that the statements attributed to her were not representative of the EU’s official policy and urged her to either defend them or explicitly deny making them. Until such clarity is achieved, he maintained, his decision to sever ties would remain unchanged.

A spokesperson for the European Commission defended Kallas, emphasizing that she and the EU remain committed to building a constructive relationship with Israel. They highlighted that Israel is a democracy and that dialogue remains essential, particularly when differences emerge. The spokesperson added that the EU continues to value its partnership with Israel despite ongoing disputes.

Kallas has been embroiled in internal controversies within the EU after reports suggested that several European countries had called for the elimination or restructuring of the European External Action Service, citing concerns that Kallas was not adequately representing European positions or addressing emerging geopolitical challenges effectively. These reports have raised questions about her leadership and ability to manage complex international relations, adding another layer of complexity to the current situation.

The incident underscores the deepening tensions between Israel and parts of the European Union, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians and the broader conflict in the Middle East. It also highlights the sensitivity surrounding comparisons between Israel and historical regimes associated with racial segregation and oppression. While the EU maintains its stance on supporting a two-state solution and condemning illegal settlements, Israel views such criticisms as attacks on its legitimacy and sovereignty. This rift could have significant implications for future diplomatic engagements and cooperation between the two entities.