Israel criticizes EUs Kallas over apartheid remarks

EU Diplomat Kallas Compared Israel to South Africa’s Apartheid Regime

Reports have surfaced of a leaked media statement by European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, likening Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to that of South Africa’s apartheid regime. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has announced plans to suspend contact with Kallas over the remarks.

According to Euractiv, Kallas made the comments during high-level talks with Mexican officials in May. The report states that she privately compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to the racial segregation regime that ruled South Africa until the mid-1990s.

In response, Saar stated on X that he had “no choice but to sever all contact” with Kallas until she retracted her comments. Kallas responded by stressing the EU’s commitment to dialogue and a two-state solution, without denying the media report.

The incident has sparked a diplomatic row between Israel and the EU. Despite internal divisions among member states, analysts suggest that the fallout will remain symbolic. Nele Anders, an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted that Kallas and the European External Action Service (EEAS) have been increasingly sidelined due to competing interests.

The EU’s policy towards Israel has been marked by ambiguity, reflecting the challenge of balancing human rights concerns with a special partnership. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin expressed disappointment with the EU’s failure to take action against Israel, calling it a breach of international law. Saar’s decision to sever ties with Kallas was also criticized.

The EU has faced challenges in reaching unanimous agreement on measures against Israel, including sanctions and trade restrictions. The EU-Israel Association Agreement remains in place despite pressure from member states.

Source: Al Jazeera