Key facts
- Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized the need for comprehensive, honest, and open dialogue with the EU.
- Sa'ar stated that dialogue cannot involve one side dictating political positions to the other.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reportedly described Israel's treatment of Palestinians as resembling apartheid.
- Sa'ar previously cut off diplomatic contact with Kallas pending an explanation.
- European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica concluded a visit to Israel and the West Bank, stressing the importance of candid partnerships.
- The EU is considering options to restrict trade with Israeli settlements.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has urged the European Union to engage in open and honest dialogue, while rejecting one-sided dictates, in remarks seen as a response to a diplomatic row with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Kallas reportedly described Israel's treatment of Palestinians as akin to apartheid, leading Sa'ar to suspend diplomatic contact with her until an explanation is provided.
Speaking alongside European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica in Jerusalem, Sa'ar emphasized that dialogue must be a two-way street, particularly on issues critical to Israel's existence. Šuica, concluding a visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank, echoed the sentiment, stating that partnerships require candid communication.
Neither Sa'ar nor Šuica directly mentioned Kallas during their press point. However, the visit occurred amid heightened tensions, with the EU executive also expected to propose measures to restrict trade with Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. The European Commission's spokesperson service confirmed Šuica's visit was part of a planned tour of the Middle East.
Šuica was also scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian officials, including Vice-President Hussein Al Sheikh and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in Gaza.