EU-Israel tensions deepened after European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica held an undisclosed meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem.
The meeting was expected to be followed by a press statement, but did not appear on Šuica’s official calendar. Šuica’s office and Israel’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
Diplomatic sources in Brussels said they had not been informed about the purpose or agenda of the talks. The meeting came amid a dispute between Sa’ar and Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief.
Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich accuses EU officials of plotting with opposition figure to dismantle Jewish settlements in the West Bank
'They are weaving a plan to destroy everything we have built' pic.twitter.com/LqDtBCg1qH
— RT (@RT_com) June 22, 2026
Kallas compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa. Sa’ar reportedly suspended diplomatic contacts with Kallas until clarification was provided.
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Kallas has said dialogue with Israel remains important. She has not confirmed or denied making the reported remarks.
The meeting has raised questions about the European Commission’s engagement with Israel during heightened tensions between Brussels and Jerusalem.