EU's Kallas defends dialogue with Israel amid diplomatic row over apartheid comparison

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with Israel, even as she acknowledged the bloc's significant criticisms of the country's actions. Her remarks came after Israel's Foreign Minister announced a severing of ties with her, stemming from alleged comments comparing Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid.

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I have had very good, open and frank, sometimes very difficult, discussions with the minister (of Foreign Affairs, Gideon) Saar, which I consider constructive, so we want to continue with them, but we cannot deny also the criticism and these conversations have to be open.

Kallas stated that she has had "very good, open and frank, sometimes very difficult" discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, which she considered constructive. "We want to continue with them, but we cannot deny also the criticism and these conversations have to be open," Kallas told reporters upon arriving at an EU summit in Brussels.

The former Estonian prime minister noted that the EU has not always agreed with Israel, citing specific concerns about settler violence and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which she believes "make impossible" the two-state solution advocated by the EU. "We have been very critical," she added, while still calling for an open dialogue.

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We have been very critical.

Saar had announced earlier that he was cutting off all contact with Kallas, accusing her of making a "blood libel" against Israel. He based his accusation on a report by the outlet Euractiv, which claimed Kallas made the comparison during closed-door meetings in Mexico. Kallas declined to comment on "closed-door" remarks and referred to official EU statements on Israel and Gaza to clarify her position.

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I cannot fight shadows all the time.

In response to Saar's announcement on social media platform X, Kallas advocated for "dialogue" during "differences," emphasizing that "the EU is always committed to a constructive relationship with Israel." Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed hope that the diplomatic friction would be resolved "like between friends," reminding that Kallas represents the EU's official position, which "habitually" supports Israel.

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Dialogue is needed when differences arise. The EU is always committed to a constructive relationship with Israel.