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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stressed the need for “open dialogue” with the European Union while rejecting the idea of one-sided discussions, in remarks some interpret as a veiled swipe at EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following a diplomatic row.
“We believe in the importance of comprehensive, honest and open dialogue with the EU,” Sa’ar said. “But dialogue cannot just be one side dictating its political positions to the other side. Certainly not when it comes to issues at the very heart of our existence.”
Sa’ar went on to say the relationship between Israel and Europe is “important to us both”.
Kallas, the bloc’s top diplomat, reportedly told EU officials privately during a trip to Mexico last month that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians resembled South Africa’s apartheid regime.
This prompted Sa’ar to cut off all diplomatic contact with Kallas until an explanation is provided. Kallas responded by stating she valued “dialogue and engagement” with Israel but made no mention of the reported apartheid comment.
Sa’ar made the remarks on Monday alongside European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica in Jerusalem, as she concluded a two-day visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Speaking alongside EU officials, Šuica said Middle Eastern partners must be able to speak candidly, adding that “partnerships require open and honest dialogue.”
Neither she nor Sa’ar made specific reference to Kallas at any point during the brief press point.
However, a European diplomat speaking to Euronews on condition of anonymity said it is not a good look for Śuica to stand next to Sa’ar and not address “the boycott of her colleague”.
Euronews first reported the duo would meet on Monday morning, amid heightened tensions between Israel and the bloc.
Besides the Kallas row, the EU executive is expected to propose a range of options to restrict EU trade with Israeli settlements after member states piled on the pressure at a meeting in the Belgian capital last week.
The Commission is under sustained pressure from most European governments to propose how to restrict trade with the settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
However, with what many saw as the informal 13 July deadline having passed, the options paper remains in limbo.
The European Commission’s spokesperson service clarified that Šuica’s visit was part of a whistle-stop tour across the Middle East, with the European External Action Service (EEAS) aware of the “long-planned” meeting, chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said.
“We will continue saying this respectful and constructive dialogue and engagement is important with all our partners, even more so when there are differences,” Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert added.
On the trip, Šuica is also expected to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem and discuss bilateral relations as well as the situation in Gaza, among other issues.
In Ramallah, of the occupied West Bank, she will also meet Palestinian Vice-President Hussein Al Sheikh and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss ongoing EU support, as well as other topics.
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