The escalating dispute between Israel and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas appears to be intensifying, with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar seemingly referencing a well-publicized confrontation on Monday alongside a senior EU dignitary visiting the country.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized the necessity of “transparent dialogue” with the European Union while dismissing the notion of one-sided conversations, in statements that many perceive as a subtle critique directed at EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following a diplomatic disagreement.
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“We value comprehensive, frank, and transparent dialogue with the EU,” Sa’ar stated. “However, dialogue cannot consist of only one party imposing its political views on the other. Especially not when fundamental aspects related to our existence are involved.”
Sa’ar further remarked that the relationship between Israel and Europe remains “significant to both sides.”
Kallas, the EU’s leading diplomat, reportedly informed EU officials privately during a visit to Mexico last month that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians resembled the apartheid system of South Africa.
Following this, Sa’ar suspended all diplomatic communication with Kallas until an explanation is provided. In response, Kallas declared that she values «dialogue and engagement» with Israel but did not address the alleged apartheid comparison.
Sa’ar delivered these comments on Monday alongside European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica in Jerusalem, at the conclusion of her two-day visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Speaking with EU representatives, Šuica highlighted that partners in the Middle East need the ability to converse openly, adding, “partnerships require honest and transparent dialogue.”
Neither Sa’ar nor Šuica directly mentioned Kallas during the brief press conference.
Nonetheless, a European diplomat, speaking to Euronews on the condition of anonymity, noted that it appears problematic for Šuica to stand by Sa’ar without addressing “the boycott of her colleague.”
Euronews initially reported the planned meeting between the two on Monday morning amid escalating tensions between Israel and the EU.
In addition to the Kallas incident, the European Commission is expected to present various options to limit EU trade with Israeli settlements after member states increased pressure during a meeting in Brussels last week.
The Commission faces ongoing demands from numerous European governments to outline measures restricting trade with settlements considered illegal under international law.
However, despite the informal deadline of 13 July passing, the proposals have yet to be finalized.
A spokesperson for the European Commission clarified that Šuica’s trip was part of an expedited tour across the Middle East, with the European External Action Service (EEAS) aware of the “long-planned” meeting, according to chief spokesperson Paula Pinho.
«We will continue to emphasize that respectful and constructive dialogue and engagement remain essential with all our partners, especially when disagreements arise,» added Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert.
During the visit, Šuica is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem to discuss bilateral relations, the situation in Gaza, and other matters.
In Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank, she will meet Palestinian Vice-President Hussein Al Sheikh and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss ongoing EU assistance along with additional issues.