Israel suspends contacts with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas

Deutsche Welle Europe reports Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters in Jerusalem that "Kallas's unconstructive attitude does not represent the position of the European Union" and that Israel will no longer maintain formal contact with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs. EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni in turn called the decision "unacceptable and contrary to diplomatic norms".

Kallas had told the European Parliament in Strasbourg a day earlier that member states should examine the application of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which ties the deal to human-rights commitments. Spain, Ireland and Slovenia back the review, while Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic remain cautious.

Analyst Eldad Shavit of the Decision Foundation called Israel's move "symbolic but risky". The EU remains Israel's largest trading partner, absorbing 28% of Israeli exports. Brussels said the procedural review will be completed by year-end regardless, provided Kallas remains in office.