Gideon Sa'ar

"We believe in the importance of comprehensive, honest, and open dialogue with the EU," Sa'ar stated. "But 'dialogue' cannot just be one side dictating its political positions."

EU Ambassador to Israel Michael Mann admits Jerusalem ties are strained, but stresses it "would be completely misleading to imagine that we make harsher comments about Israel than other countries."

The statements were made during Kallas' recent trip to Mexico. Kallas responded to Sa'ar via X, reaffirming the EU's commitment to Israel as well as its commitment to the two-state solution.

Abdullahi is now seeking to expand cooperation with Israel across a broad range of sectors, including economic development, natural resources, agriculture, water management, and security.

The highlight of the visit is expected on Monday evening, with the official opening of Somaliland's embassy, marking the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Sa'ar said that he thanked Marape for his support and friendship with Israel, specifically noting that Marape had decided to move Papua New Guinea's embassy to Jerusalem in 2023.

France is seeking to increase pressure on Israel through national sanctions over West Bank violence, European diplomats said.

Sa’ar added that he has already instructed Foreign Ministry Director-General Eden Bar Tal to begin the process of establishing the new embassy and the selection process for an ambassador. 

Sometimes the wisest diplomatic investments are not made where support is weakest but where friendship has already been proven. This is one of those times.

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.