Israel's Readiness to Collaborate with New EU Foreign Policy Chief

On Wednesday, December 5, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomed the appointment of Kaja Kallas as the new EU foreign policy chief, expressing readiness to cooperate with her to create a new opportunity for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Speaking at a conference of foreign ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Malta, Sa'ar stated that the Israeli government is serious about achieving a real agreement for the release of Hamas captives and seeks the EU's assistance in this regard. He also addressed Ms. Kallas, stating that Israel wishes to open a new chapter of dialogue and constructive cooperation in relations with the EU. Previously, Israel had repeatedly clashed with former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell over his positions and had criticized him. On June 28, 2024, EU members introduced the political leaders of the bloc for the next five years, appointing Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, as the successor to Spain's Josep Borrell in leading EU foreign policy. Over the past year, Borrell had frequently criticized Israel's positions in dealing with Hamas and Hezbollah, calling for an end to Israel's fight against these two groups supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran. In his final days in office, he also urged all EU member states to respect the International Criminal Court's decisions regarding the 'arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel.'