Israel’s Foreign Minister Cuts Contact With EU Foreign Policy Chief Over “Apartheid” Remarks

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has announced that he is suspending all contact with the European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, accusing her of making remarks comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Sa’ar said he would not maintain communication with Kallas unless she withdraws what he described as a “defamatory” comparison of Israel with the former South African apartheid regime.

He argued that Israel is “the world’s only Jewish state and the only democracy in the Middle East,” and said the comparison was unacceptable.

The controversy reportedly stems from media reports surrounding Kallas’s visit to Mexico in May, during which she allegedly referred to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in a context similar to apartheid-era South Africa. However, the EU official has not publicly confirmed or denied the specific remarks.

Sa’ar further stated that several European officials had already criticized the reported comments, but said he had not seen any clarification or retraction from Kallas.

“I am doing what I said I would do,” he said. “As long as she does not withdraw this defamation, I will not maintain any contact with her.”

The European Union has not yet issued an official response regarding Israel’s decision to suspend communication.

The development adds further strain to already tense relations between Israel and parts of the European diplomatic establishment amid ongoing disagreements over the Gaza conflict and broader Middle East policy.