Israel has decided to cut off official contacts with the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, in a move that signals a deepening diplomatic clash between the Israeli government and European institutions.

According to Israeli media reports, the decision was made following Kallas' continued criticism of Israel's policies in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as her support for discussions within the EU on possible measures against Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories.

Israeli Foreign Ministry sources have stated that Kallas is pursuing a unilateral approach towards Israel and that her actions do not contribute to advancing dialogue or cooperation between the parties. According to these sources, the decision to sever contacts concerns only Kallas in her personal and political capacity, while communication with other European Union institutions will continue, writes Reuters .

Kallas, who took over as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has been one of the strongest European voices calling for increased diplomatic pressure on Israel over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. She has called for respect for international law, the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian access to war-torn areas.

In recent months, debates have intensified within the European Union on the possibility of imposing measures against Israeli settlers accused of acts of violence against Palestinians, as well as on limiting certain forms of economic cooperation related to Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. These discussions have met with strong opposition from the Israeli government, which considers them unfair and politically motivated.

Israel's decision comes at a time when relations between Tel Aviv and several European capitals have deteriorated significantly due to the war in Gaza. A number of EU member states have called for a review of cooperation agreements with Israel and increased diplomatic pressure to achieve a lasting ceasefire.

However, experts believe that the severance of contacts with Kallas does not mean a severance of relations between Israel and the European Union. The EU remains one of Israel's most important economic and political partners, while cooperation in areas such as trade, technology and security is expected to continue.

Despite this, the latest move shows that tensions between the Israeli government and European diplomacy have entered a new phase, making it even more difficult to find a common position on the conflict in the Middle East. /Telegraph/

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