Kallas calls for dialogue after Israeli FM vows to cut ties with her
The European Commission and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar both expressed a need for continued dialogue. This follows Sa'ar's decision to cut contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The dispute centers on reports that Kallas compared Israel to an apartheid state.
What changed
Both parties are now calling for open or respectful dialogue despite the severed ties.
Live updates
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EU and Israel call for dialogue after diplomatic rift
confidence 90%The European Commission and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar both expressed a need for continued dialogue. This follows Sa'ar's decision to cut contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The dispute centers on reports that Kallas compared Israel to an apartheid state.
What's confirmed:
- The European Commission called for respectful and constructive dialogue with partners.
- Gideon Sa'ar stressed the need for open dialogue with the European Union.
- Israel cut contact with Kaja Kallas after reports she called Israel an apartheid state.
Still unconfirmed:
- Gideon Sa'ar rejected the idea of one-sided discussions in remarks some interpret as a swipe at the EU.
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Israel severs ties with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
confidence 100%Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar cut contact with Kaja Kallas on June 18. Sa'ar cited reports that Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. Kallas responded by reaffirming the EU's commitment to Israel and a two-state solution.
What's confirmed:
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar severed contact with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas on June 18, 2026.
- Sa'ar linked the decision to reports that Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
- Kallas responded via X to reaffirm EU commitment to Israel and a two-state solution.
Still unconfirmed:
- The comments comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa were made during a trip to Mexico.
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Kallas calls for dialogue as Israel cuts contact over apartheid remarks
confidence 95%Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar severed all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Thursday. Sa'ar is demanding a retraction of reported comments comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. Kallas responded by stressing that dialogue is the foundation of diplomacy and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to a two-state solution.
What's confirmed:
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday that he is cutting all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
- Sa'ar stated he will not restore contact until Kallas retracts her comparison of Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
- Kallas stated that dialogue is the foundation of diplomacy and that the EU remains committed to a constructive relationship with Israel.
- Kallas asserted that the two-state solution is the only viable path to peace in the Middle East.
- The EU has condemned illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Still unconfirmed:
- Kallas compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid in South Africa.
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Israel Severs Ties With EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas
confidence 95%Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced Thursday that he is cutting all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The move follows reports that Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. Kallas responded by stating the EU remains committed to constructive ties and values dialogue.
What's confirmed:
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday that he is severing all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
- Kaja Kallas stated that the EU is committed to constructive ties with Israel and values dialogue and engagement.
- The decision to cut ties follows reports that Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
Still unconfirmed:
- Gideon Sa'ar accused Kaja Kallas of acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness towards Israel.
- Sa'ar described the reported remarks as a blood libel.