A serious rift has emerged between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas over their approaches to Israel, according to an EU official cited by Israeli journalist Asaf Rozentzweig (N12). The official said Kallas has a "very bad relationship" with von der Leyen and is trying to push her toward action against Israel.
A leaked report from N12 journalist Asaf Rozentzweig reveals a sharp internal EU dispute over policy toward Israel. An unnamed senior EU official said that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas have a "very bad relationship," with Kallas allegedly pushing von der Leyen to adopt tougher measures against Israel. The tension adds a new dimension to the ongoing diplomatic crisis that began after reports that Kallas referred to Israel as an "apartheid" state in a closed meeting, triggering a public exchange with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar last week. The Zioneer has previously reported on the Sa'ar-Kallas exchange and on broader EU discussions about curbing Kallas' authority amid dissatisfaction with her handling of foreign policy. The source of the leak is a single EU official cited by N12; no other outlets have independently confirmed the report.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake
