“Dear Gideon, as you know, the EU and Israel have a lot that binds us,” she wrote on X. “Dialogue is the foundation of diplomacy, especially when differences arise.” Kallas also reiterated the EU’s support for a two-state solution and condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank, describing them as an obstacle to peace.
But the olive branch did not land.
“With all due respect, even in your remarks here you refrain from denying or condemning what has been attributed to you and published publicly,” responded Sa’ar. “If you did indeed make these vile and defamatory statements, stand behind them. If you did not make them, deny it.”
The clash comes as EU leaders gather in Brussels for a European Council summit, where divisions over Israel are expected to resurface. Calls from some capitals to sanction Israeli ministers and curb trade linked to West Bank settlements are likely to fall short, with Czechia vowing to block tougher measures.