Kaja Kallas has responded to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s statement that he’s severing all contact with her, saying the EU remains “committed to a constructive relationship with Israel”.
– Saar criticised Kallas over remarks in which she reportedly compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to conditions in apartheid-era South Africa. He said he had “no choice” but to cut off contact until she retracts or clarifies the statement.
– In response, Kallas said “the EU and Israel have a lot that binds us” and she values respectful, constructive engagement.
– However, she stressed a two-state solution is the only “viable path” to Middle East peace, and reiterated EU condemnation of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
– Saar said his decision to sever contact will stand unless Kallas denies or retracts the apartheid comparison.
https://aje.news/xsbi1c?update=4675160