Israeli foreign minister says he will cut ties with EU's top diplomat

Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said on Thursday he will end all communication with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, accusing her of unfair treatment of Israel. Sa'ar posted on X that Kallas had compared Israel's handling of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa and called the remarks a "blood libel," demanding a retraction before any dialogue could resume.

Kallas responded on the same platform, emphasizing the long-standing ties between the EU and Israel and stating that dialogue is essential when disagreements arise. She reiterated the EU's support for a two-state solution and condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank as an obstacle to peace.

Sa'ar rejected the outreach, insisting Kallas either stand behind the alleged statements or deny them, and said he would maintain the severed contact.

The dispute emerges as EU leaders meet in Brussels for a European Council summit, where debates over Israel's policies and possible sanctions on officials linked to West Bank settlements are expected to surface. Some member states, including the Czech Republic, have signaled resistance to tougher measures.