EU-Israel Diplomatic Rift over Kallas’ Alleged Apartheid Remarks
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar severed contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on June 18, 2026, after she allegedly compared Israel’s actions in the West Bank and Gaza to apartheid South Africa. Kallas urged dialogue, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz distanced himself from her comments. The crisis deepened existing EU-Israel tensions over settlements and sanctions, with EU leaders divided on further actions. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked two mosques in the West Bank.
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Kallas-Israel 'apartheid' row boosts her stature amid EU power struggle
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has been embroiled in a diplomatic spat with Israel after reportedly comparing its treatment of Palestinians to South African apartheid. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar cut off ties with her following the leak. While critics note Kallas's previous pro-Israel stance due to Estonia's warm ties with Israel, the controversy is seen as strengthening her position in a foreign-policy turf war with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is viewed as more pro-Israel. Some EU lawmakers and diplomats view Kallas's shift as moving in the right direction. The row is also contextualized by upcoming Israeli elections, with analysts suggesting Netanyahu and Sa'ar are using the incident for domestic political gain. The dispute highlights divisions within the EU on how to handle Israel and illegal settlements.
EuractivGerman Chancellor Merz rebukes EU top diplomat Kallas for Israel 'apartheid' remarks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly distanced himself from remarks made by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, who compared the situation in Gaza to apartheid-era South Africa. Speaking on the sidelines of a European Council summit in Brussels, Merz stated he explicitly does not share that choice of words and called for a thorough debate on the matter among EU leaders. The comments, first reported by Euractiv, deepened an existing foreign policy crisis and prompted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to announce he would sever all contact with Kallas, accusing her of acting obsessively and unfairly toward Israel. Kallas declined to directly address the controversy, saying she 'cannot fight the shadows,' but defended the EU's criticism of Israeli policies, particularly regarding violent settlers and settlement expansion in the West Bank. EU leaders are expected to discuss the Middle East on Friday, with divisions remaining over potential further sanctions against Israel.
EuractivIsrael Breaks Contact with EU Foreign Chief Kallas Over Alleged Apartheid Comparison
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced a break in contact with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, demanding she retract alleged comparisons of Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank to South African apartheid. The incident comes just before an EU summit where Middle East policy is on the agenda. Kallas, who previously took a moderate line focused on Ukraine, is reportedly becoming isolated within the EU, bypassed by Council President Costa and excluded from Iran war diplomacy. Germany traditionally blocks EU sanctions against Israel, while Spain and Ireland push for a tougher stance. Kallas reaffirmed the EU position against illegal settlements and for a two-state solution but failed to mollify Saar.
taz.de - taz.deIsrael severs contact with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas over reported apartheid remarks
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on June 18, 2026, that he will no longer communicate with EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas until she retracts statements reportedly comparing Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza to South Africa's apartheid regime. The remarks were allegedly made during a confidential meeting in Mexico, as reported by Euractiv. Kallas has not denied or explained the comments. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz distanced himself from the choice of words, stating 'we will have to talk about this.' The incident deepens existing tensions between Israel and the EU, which has criticized Israeli settlement expansion and imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations for human rights violations against Palestinians. Separately, Israeli settlers reportedly attacked and partially set fire to two mosques in the West Bank village of Jiljilya.
Nachrichten - WELTIsrael severs contact with EU foreign policy chief Kallas over reported apartheid remarks
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on June 18, 2026, that he will no longer communicate with EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas until she retracts statements allegedly comparing Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza to South Africa's apartheid regime. The remarks were reportedly made during a confidential meeting in Mexico, as cited by the news portal Euractiv. Saar criticized Kallas for failing to deny or explain the allegations. The diplomatic rift adds to existing tensions between Israel and the EU, which has criticized Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and imposed sanctions in May 2026 for human rights violations against Palestinians. The article also notes a separate incident where Israeli settlers attacked and partially set fire to two mosques in the West Bank village of Jiljilya.
Nachrichten - WELTKallas calls for dialogue after Israeli FM vows to cut ties with her
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for dialogue after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced he would sever all contact with her. The diplomatic rift was triggered by Kallas's alleged accusation that Israel is practicing apartheid in the occupied Palestinian territories. Sa'ar described the accusation as a 'blood libel' and stated he would cut ties with the EU's top diplomat. Multiple news outlets, including Euronews, Reuters, The Jerusalem Post, Bloomberg, and The Times of Israel, reported on the development. Kallas responded by urging continued communication and dialogue despite the disagreement. The incident marks a significant deterioration in EU-Israel diplomatic relations.
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