Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar met today (Monday, 24 March 2025) in Jerusalem with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
Earlier this morning, EU High Representative Kallas met with members of the abductees families.
Afterwards, FM Sa’ar and EU High Representative Kallas met privately, then had an extended meeting with their teams, which was followed by a joint press conference.
Referring to the Palestinian Authority, FM Sa’ar stated: “Abu Mazen says one thing in English and another in Arabic. He misrepresents reforms in the Palestinian Authority and continues to pay salaries to terrorists and their families. The Palestinians have had opportunities over time to pursue different approaches to achieve peace. We cannot afford to reach a situation where they endanger Israel’s security. Menachem Begin understood that we must not allow the presence of a foreign military force west of the Jordan. On October 7, everyone understood the danger of this. We will continue to act against terrorism everywhere.”
At the joint press conference, High Representative Kallas affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, stating, “Israel’s security is important to the European Union” and that “Israel has the right to self-defense.” She further stated at the press conference that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.
Following the press conference, FM Sa’ar and High Representative Kallas visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance Authority. After touring the museum, High Representative Kallas laid a wreath at Ohel Yizkor, the Yad Vashem ceremony hall. At the conclusion of the visit, both ministers delivered speeches.
