A diplomatic dispute has emerged between Israel and the European Union following remarks made by the EU’s foreign policy chief, which likened Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa. Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, responded by announcing he would sever all contact with Kaja Kallas, the EU representative, over the statement.

The incident traces back to a visit Kallas made to Mexico last month, during which she reportedly drew parallels between Israel’s policies in the West Bank and Gaza and the segregationist regime of apartheid South Africa. Sa’ar condemned the comparison, characterizing Kallas’s comments as obsessive and unfair toward Israel.

The EU has long expressed criticism of Israel’s settlement activity in the West Bank, which is widely regarded as illegal under international law. In a move last month, the European Union imposed sanctions targeting three individuals and four entities, citing their roles in systematic human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. The bloc has also openly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza while affirming the country’s right to self-defense.

Within the 27-member EU, opinions on Israel differ significantly. Some member states pursue strong criticism of Israeli policies, while others maintain close diplomatic and economic ties.

In response to Sa’ar’s announcement, Kallas posted on social media that she valued the ongoing dialogue and engagement with Israel and remained open to constructive discussions. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution and reiterated the union’s condemnation of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Notably, Kallas did not deny the substance of the remarks attributed to her during her Mexico visit.

The tensions arise amid the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with a recent Unicef report revealing that over 59,000 children in Gaza have lost at least one parent as a result of the hostilities.