Published：Jun 18, 09:55Last updated：Jun 20, 05:00

Israel Cuts Ties with EU Diplomat Kaja Kallas

Jun. 18, 2026 09:55

Israel’s foreign minister has cut off all contact with the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, citing unfair treatment. The decision reflects Israel’s growing isolation from some of its closest allies. The move underscores ongoing tensions between Israel and the EU over diplomatic and policy disagreements.

Summarized

8News

7Media

Jun. 19, 2026 16:00

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on June 18 the severing of ties with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas after she compared Israel to South Africa's former racist regime. The remarks, made during a visit to Mexico, have not been denied or clarified by Kallas. Tensions between Israel and the EU have worsened since the Gaza conflict in October 2023, exacerbated by settler violence in the West Bank. Sa'ar stated he would cease all communication with Kallas until she retracts her comments.

Jun. 20, 2026 05:00

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar severed all contacts with EU diplomat Kaja Kallas after she made controversial remarks about Israel. Sa'ar described her comments as a "blood libel" and demanded a retraction. The incident occurred on June 20, 2026.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has announced the severing of all contact with the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, citing unfair treatment and controversial remarks. The decision reflects escalating tensions between Israel and the EU, particularly over diplomatic rhetoric and policy disagreements. This move underscores Israel’s growing isolation from some of its closest allies. Bloomberg+2

🗣️ Diplomatic Breakdown

The decision to cut ties follows reports that Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa during a private meeting. Saar described her comments as a "blood libel" and demanded an explicit retraction. Kallas has not denied or clarified her remarks, which were reportedly made during a visit to Mexico. Deutsche Welle+2

🌍 Escalating Tensions

Relations between Israel and the EU have deteriorated significantly since the Gaza conflict in October 2023, exacerbated by ongoing issues such as settler violence in the West Bank. The EU has been critical of Israel’s policies, particularly regarding illegal settlements and the Gaza war. Kallas attempted to defuse the situation by reaffirming the EU’s commitment to dialogue, but Saar remained firm in his decision. China.org+1

🛑 Israel’s Isolation

The severing of ties highlights Israel’s increasing diplomatic isolation. Saar’s decision to cease all communication with Kallas until she retracts her comments reflects a broader trend of strained relations with international partners. The incident underscores the challenges Israel faces in maintaining its alliances amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Bloomberg+2

IsraelWest BankGideon SaarKaja KallasEuropean Union

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United States

Coverage focuses on Israel's decision to sever ties with the EU’s top diplomat and its implications for diplomatic relations.

Germany

Reporting emphasizes the reasons behind Israel's decision to cut contact with the EU foreign policy chief and the broader context of tensions.

France

Discussion centers on the specific remarks that led to Israel's decision to sever ties with the EU foreign policy chief.

Russia

Outlets frame the event around the accusations and demands made by Israel’s foreign minister in response to the EU diplomat’s remarks.

China

Coverage focuses on the specific incident that led to Israel’s decision to cut ties with the EU official and the broader context of deteriorating relations.