Israel to sever diplomatic ties with EU official over apartheid remarks

Diplomatic Row Erupts Over EU Foreign Minister’s Comments on Israel

A diplomatic row has erupted between Israel and the European Union following comments made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. According to reports, Kallas compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to South Africa’s former apartheid system during high-level talks with Mexican officials in May.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has suspended contact with Kallas after Euractiv reported on the remarks. In a post on X, Saar accused Kallas of displaying a longstanding bias against Israel and claimed she had not clarified or denied the comments. He stated that he had “no choice but to sever all contact” until she retracts what he described as a “blood libel” against Israel.

Kallas responded publicly, stressing that the EU remained committed to maintaining relations with Israel. She reiterated the EU’s support for a two-state solution and its opposition to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The dispute comes amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has previously found that Israel is violating international laws that prohibit apartheid. In January, the office concluded that Israel was “violating international law” requiring states to prohibit and eradicate racial segregation and apartheid. The International Court of Justice also reached a similar conclusion in its July 2024 advisory opinion, finding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory unlawful.

The EU has maintained relations with Israel despite the diplomatic row. Kallas did not directly address the apartheid allegation in her response.

Source: Al Jazeera