Israel cuts all ties with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday that he is cutting off all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas until she retracts alleged comments in which she compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa. The comments were published last week by Euractiv, and according to Sa'ar, Kallas has neither confirmed nor denied them.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday, 19 June 2026, that he is cutting off all contact with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas until she retracts alleged statements in which she reportedly compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa.

Disputed comments

The dispute centres on comments published by Euractiv last week. According to the publication, Kallas made such a comparison at a meeting in Mexico last month. Sa'ar stressed that Kallas has neither confirmed nor denied these claims, and therefore regarded severing contact as the only appropriate response.

Strained relations with Israel

Relations between Israel and the European Union have cooled significantly against the backdrop of the Gaza conflict. The EU has pressured for improvements to the humanitarian situation and criticised Israeli military operations. Kallas is the EU's top foreign policy representative, and her alleged remarks have sparked a sharp reaction from Israeli official circles.

Israel's decision to cut ties with the EU foreign policy chief is an unusual step that reflects deepening tensions between the two sides. Resolution of the situation will largely depend on whether Kallas makes a public clarification that satisfies Israel.