Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Thursday that he was severing ties with EU foreign policy representative Kaja Karas, following claims she compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid South Africa during her visit to Mexico. This escalation occurs amidst already strained relations between the EU and Israel, intensified after the October 7, 2023 attacks and disagreements over Israeli settlement activities.
Saar accused Karas of acting in a “persistent and blatantly unfair manner” towards Israel, referencing a Euractic report that brought forth these allegations. He expressed gratitude to European officials who condemned her remarks but criticized her lack of response to the claims, which he characterized as slander against Israel.
In response, Karas emphasized the EU’s commitment to constructive dialogue with Israel, reiterating the EU’s position on the two-state solution and condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank. She did not directly address Saar’s remarks but stated her desire for respectful engagement.
The Euractic report, which cited unnamed officials, claimed that Karas made comparisons between Israel and South African apartheid in private meetings, although no direct quotes were provided. Her office declined to comment on the allegations.
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