Kallas Criticizes Borrell’s Diplomacy Amid Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has criticized her predecessor, Josep Borrell, asserting she has made more impactful efforts to influence Israel’s actions during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “I have achieved more with Israel than my predecessor ever achieved,” Kallas stated, as reported by El País. “With Borrell there was nothing at all,” reports 24brussels.
Borrell, who held the position of the EU’s chief diplomat from 2019 until late 2024, was a prominent voice regarding the humanitarian implications of the Israel-Hamas war throughout his tenure.
Since stepping down in November 2024, Borrell has intensified his criticisms. In a May speech, he remarked that he has “seldom heard the leader of a state so clearly outline a plan that fits the legal definition of genocide.” He has also condemned the EU’s response, suggesting to Spanish radio that “if Europe wanted to, it could greatly influence Israel.”
Adding to the controversy, Teresa Ribera, the current Spanish Commissioner, characterized Israel’s military activities in Gaza as genocide last week.
Kallas responded, suggesting that aggressive rhetoric does not facilitate dialogue, stating, “What is achieved with that stronger language? Will we achieve that they stop killing if we use harsher language and put on the table proposals that the Member States are not going to approve?” She expressed frustration over the lack of consensus, emphasizing that pushing for stronger measures would undermine the EU’s credibility.
The high representative indicated a desire to adopt a more assertive stance, labeling the humanitarian situation as “catastrophic.” She highlighted a July agreement with Israel aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, a document from early August revealed that far fewer aid trucks were entering Gaza than the EU had demanded.
When approached for comment regarding Kallas’ statements, Borrell chose to remain silent through an assistant.
Support for Borrell came from his socialist peers, including Iratxe García Pérez, the leader of the Socialist group in the European Parliament, who defended him on X, stating that Borrell was “the only voice who saved the EU’s dignity on Gaza” while accusing Kallas of remaining passive. García further denounced the EU’s humanitarian agreement as a “phantom.”
Kallas made her remarks on Wednesday, just prior to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocating for robust measures to signal the EU’s disapproval of Israel’s actions in Gaza. These measures include a proposal to suspend trade components of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which could be enacted by a qualified majority of at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population instead of requiring unanimous consent.
The high representative underscored the need for pressure on Israel while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and consensus: “I represent the countries that are tough with Netanyahu,” Kallas stated, “but also those that have another approach.”
