Israel slams EU’s Kallas for ‘apartheid’ comment: Are ties unravelling?

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Israel severs contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas

   Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has ended all contact with Kaja Kallas. Sa'ar described the reported comparison of Israel to apartheid-era South Africa as a "blood libel." Kallas remains open to dialogue but has not confirmed or denied the comments.

   What's confirmed:

   • Israel's foreign minister cut all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
   • Gideon Sa'ar accused Kallas of "acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness toward the State of Israel."
   • The dispute stems from reports that Kallas compared Israel to South Africa's apartheid regime.
   • Kallas stated she is still willing to hold dialogue with Israel.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Kaja Kallas compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to South Africa's former apartheid system.
   • Kallas's remarks were a "blood libel".
   confidence 90%
2. 2d ago

   Israel Severs Contact With EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas

   Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has cut all contact with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas. The decision follows reports that Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. The EU ambassador to Jerusalem has stated that Israel is not considered an apartheid state.

   What's confirmed:

   • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is severing all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
   • The move follows reports that Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
   • The EU ambassador to Jerusalem stated that Israel is not considered an apartheid state.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Ursula von der Leyen used the term apartheid to describe Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
   • The row over apartheid remarks is boosting Kaja Kallas' stature.
   • Kaja Kallas is locked in a power struggle with Ursula von der Leyen.
   confidence 90%