Tensions Rise Between EU's Ursula von der Leyen and Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas Over Israel Policy

Tensions have escalated between Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Kaja Kallas, the European Union's Foreign Minister, over their differing approaches to Israel. According to diplomats familiar with the matter, Kallas has pushed for a more confrontational stance against Israel than von der Leyen and most EU member states, leading to strained relations between the two leaders. A European official told N12 that Kallas is attempting to pressure von der Leyen into adopting stronger measures against Israel, a move that has not gone unnoticed in Jerusalem.

Kallas has publicly advocated for tougher EU actions against Israel and reportedly compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa in private discussions, prompting Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to announce a diplomatic break with her earlier this month. Israeli diplomats confirmed that the rift between Kallas and von der Leyen is palpable even in Jerusalem, though they noted that Israel is only one of several contentious issues dividing the two.

The broader power struggle between Kallas and von der Leyen centers on control over the EU's foreign policy direction. Von der Leyen has conveyed to Kallas that she does not need her support and is leading a wider campaign to consolidate foreign policy authority under the European Commission. Critics of Kallas within Europe accuse her of pursuing a personal agenda rather than representing the collective positions of EU governments, and some diplomats describe her as lacking the coalition-building skills necessary for success.

Recent reports from Euronews and the Financial Times reveal that France, backed by Germany and other countries, circulated a document proposing significant reforms to the EU's foreign service. The proposals include options to reduce Kallas's power in favor of von der Leyen's Commission, transfer more authority directly to member states, or alternatively expand Kallas's powers at the expense of the Commission. These competing plans have further intensified the rivalry and highlighted widespread dissatisfaction within the EU regarding its current foreign policy management.

The ongoing dispute between these two prominent EU figures reflects deeper institutional tensions and differing visions for the bloc's approach to Israel and broader international relations. The outcome of this power struggle will likely shape the future direction of EU foreign policy.