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Kallas' diplomatic clash with Israel causes reactions in Europe, here's how Merz and other EU leaders reacted
2026-06-19 17:34:03 / BOTA
A diplomatic spat between the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and Israel over accusations that she compared the country to apartheid-era South Africa has drawn mixed reactions from European leaders at an EU summit in Brussels.
"I do not share this characterization. We need to talk about this at some point, but I do not share this characterization at all," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on the sidelines of the European Council summit on Thursday.
The comments come after media reports alleging that Kallas, during a trip to Mexico last month, privately told EU diplomats that Israel's treatment of Palestinians resembled the apartheid regime in South Africa.
The reports prompted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to say he had "no choice but to cut off all contacts with Ms. Kallas until she retracts the blood libel she shed on the sole Jewish state."
Asked about the alleged comments, Slovenia's Prime Minister, Janez Janša, said he did not believe Israel was practicing apartheid and that he had not heard Kallas say so, but if he had, he was mistaken.
In contrast, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, often critical of Israel, has come out in its defense. "It's unacceptable. Kaja Kallas is the High Representative of the European Union," he said.
Kallas has neither confirmed nor denied this statement, calling for dialogue and engagement to continue as the basis for diplomacy.
"We don't always agree with the Israelis. For example, regarding violent settlers and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, we have been very critical," Kallas said, noting that such settlements make it very difficult to achieve a two-state solution.
The row between the EU's top diplomat and the Israeli government highlights divisions among member states over how to approach Israel, divided between those who want a tougher stance and those who oppose confrontation. "We should support Kallas," said an EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.
At the recent meeting of EU foreign ministers, 20 member states asked the European Commission to propose options for trade restrictions against Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Commission, on the other hand, has been skeptical about the new proposals, noting that there is no qualified majority in the EU Council to suspend the association agreement with Israel – a much more important step, blocked by Germany and Italy.
"I hope this can be resolved among friends," said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, adding that Europe is Israel's best friend and protects its interests.
Kallas has also been under increasing pressure over her role, following media reports about a possible reorganization of her diplomatic branch.
“I can't fight the shadows all the time,” Kallas said.
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