Israel's Foreign Minister Severes Ties with EU Diplomat Kaja Kallas Over Alleged Apartheid Remarks
Quick Look
- Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the severing of all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
- Saar accused Kallas of "acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness" after she reportedly compared Israel to South Africa's apartheid regime during a visit to Mexico.
- Diplomatic relations have been strained since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Diplomatic relations between Israel and the EU have been strained since the Gaza war began in October 2023, and due to violence by Israeli settlers towards Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Israel’s foreign minister said on Thursday that he was severing all contact with the European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas over reported remarks in which she allegedly compared Israel to the apartheid regime that once ruled South Africa.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and the EU have come under heavy strain since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, as well as over violence by Israeli settlers towards Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
On Thursday, Gideon Saar accused EU foreign policy chief Kallas of “acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness” towards Israel.
“Recently, it was published that during her visit to Mexico, she compared Israel to the racist apartheid regime that existed in South Africa,” Saar wrote on social media.
“However, to date, no denial, clarification or response has been issued by her regarding this severe statement.
Open Questions
- Will Kallas respond to Saar's accusations?
- What are the specific implications of severed contact?
