The European Commission emphasized that dialogue with Israel must continue. Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert, asked at the daily press briefing about Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cutting ties with the EU's senior representative Kaja Kallas, said, "Such interaction becomes even more important during periods of disagreement."
The visit was planned in advance
Lammert, responding to questions about the visit to Israel by EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, stated that this visit was planned long in advance. He conveyed that Šuica will communicate the EU's position on the 'regional conflict', its support for reconstruction efforts in Palestine, and its views on the situation in the occupied West Bank to partners.
The EU Commission spokesperson said, "It is important to maintain contacts with all our partners on the basis of respectful and constructive dialogue."
Kallas's remarks and Israel's reaction
According to press reports, EU Deputy High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas compared Israel's actions towards Palestinians to the apartheid regime in South Africa during her visit to Mexico on May 20-22. Kallas and the EU External Action Service she heads did not confirm these reports.
Some European diplomats stated that Kallas's remarks do not reflect the EU's official position and that such statements by an official representing the Union are problematic.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a statement on social media, alleged that Kallas has been acting with 'bias and obsession' against Israel for some time. Saar said, "As Israel's Foreign Minister, I have no choice but to sever all relations with Ms. Kallas until she retracts this slander. And I am doing so."
Kallas responded, "I value our dialogue and interaction and am ready to continue them in a spirit of respect and constructiveness. Dialogue is the foundation of diplomacy, especially when disagreements arise. The EU is always committed to constructive relations with Israel."
