Key facts
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is severing all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
- Saar accused Kallas of "blatant unfairness" and a "blood libel" over alleged remarks comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
- Kallas responded by emphasizing dialogue and a two-state solution but did not directly deny the alleged comments.
- The dispute occurs as EU leaders gather to discuss next steps regarding Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Thursday that he would sever all contact with top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, citing alleged remarks she made comparing Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa. Sa'ar accused Kallas of "blatant unfairness" and directing a "blood libel" at Israel, demanding she retract the statements.