Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has severed all contact with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, accusing her of biased conduct toward Israel. Saar called the alleged comparison of Israel to apartheid-era South Africa a false and malicious accusation targeting Israel. Kallas declined to confirm or deny the report, according to Times of Israel. Saar also accused Kallas of biased conduct, stating she acted with unfairness toward Israel.

Diplomatic relations between Israel and the European Union have come under heavy strain since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023. Violence by Israeli settlers towards Palestinians in the occupied West Bank is another point of contention in Israel-EU relations. According to Al Jazeera, the UN rights office has found that Israel has breached international law against apartheid.

Kaja Kallas, according to Dawn, stated that the EU remains committed to a two-state solution and has condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank. She also posted on X that she values dialogue with Israel and is open to continuing it respectfully and constructively. Timing of the leak is under scrutiny due to internal EU conflicts.