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Jun 18, 2026 Major4
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Israel Severs Contacts with EU Diplomat Kaja Kallas Over Reported Apartheid Comparison
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has severed diplomatic ties with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas over a report that she compared Israeli policies to apartheid-era South Africa. The diplomatic breach deepens existing tensions between Israel and the EU, with Saar demanding a retraction and Kallas calling for continued dialogue.





Quick Facts
Who
Gideon Saar
What
Severed diplomatic contact
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Israel
- Severed diplomatic contact
- Reported comparison to apartheid-era South Africa
- Demand for retraction
- Call for continued dialogue
- Gideon Saar
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Thursday that he is cutting all ties with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, following a report that she compared Israel's policies in the West Bank and Gaza to apartheid-era South Africa. The move escalates a growing rift between Israel and the EU over the treatment of Palestinians.
Saar declared on social media that he would "sever all contact" with Kallas until she retracts what he called a "blood libel" directed at Israel. The dispute stems from a June 12 report by the European news outlet Euractiv, which cited unnamed officials and diplomats claiming Kallas made the comparison during a visit to Mexico between May 20 and 22. Kallas has neither publicly confirmed nor denied the alleged remarks.
In a series of posts on X, Saar accused Kallas of "acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness toward the State of Israel." He noted that many European lawmakers had condemned the alleged statements but said Kallas had failed to issue a denial or clarification. "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," Saar wrote.
Kallas responded on X by addressing Saar directly, emphasizing the importance of dialogue without mentioning the specific allegations. "Dear Gideon, as you know, the EU and Israel have a lot that binds us," she said. "I value our dialogue and engagement, and I'm open to continue in that spirit, respectfully and constructively." She reiterated the EU's position on the two-state solution and its condemnation of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The diplomatic breach comes amid broader tensions between Israel and the EU, which has criticized Israeli settlement expansion and recently imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers. The EU's 27 member states remain divided on Israel policy, with some, like Germany and Hungary, taking more supportive stances, while others, such as Spain and Ireland, are more critical. This incident also adds to internal pressure on Kallas, who has faced scrutiny from some European governments over her performance as EU foreign policy chief.
Why This Matters
This diplomatic breach signals a deepening rift between Israel and the EU over Palestinian policy, potentially affecting EU-Israel trade, research cooperation, and diplomatic coordination. For readers tracking geopolitical shifts, it indicates growing isolation of Israel within European institutions and may influence stances of other nations toward the conflict.
Timeline & Sources
May 20, 2026
WireKaja Kallas visits Mexico and reportedly compares Israeli policies to apartheid-era South Africa.
Jun 12, 2026
WireEuractiv publishes report citing unnamed officials about Kallas's alleged remarks.
Jun 18, 2026
WireIsraeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announces severance of contact with Kallas.
Jun 18, 2026
WireKallas responds on social media, calling for continued dialogue.
Entities
Sources
- Israel Cuts Ties With Top EU Diplomat Kallas Over Reported Apartheid ComparisonHaaretzMediaJun 18, 2026
- Israeli foreign minister to ‘sever all contact’ with top EU diplomatpolitico.euMediaJun 18, 2026
- Israel says it's cutting ties to EU's Kaja KallasDW.comMediaJun 18, 2026
- Israeli foreign minister severs contact with EU foreign policy chiefcgtnMediaJun 18, 2026