British News Agency

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Kallas’s comparison between Israel and Russia, drawing attention to the Jewish people’s historical ties to the region and Israel’s role in European security.

Rejecting the basis of the statement, Saar said: “The comparison made by Kaja Kallas has no factual or legal basis and is completely unacceptable. The Jewish people’s connection to Judea and Samaria and the Land of Israel, and their right to these areas, is documented far more extensively than that of any other people in human history.”

Referring to the status of the region, Saar said: “Contrary to the comparisons made by Ms. Kallas, Judea and Samaria never belonged to a Palestinian state — which, in fact, never existed. Even the Palestinians themselves have accepted a negotiated solution for the disputed territories.”

Saar concluded his statement by saying: “And finally, what exactly is the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy trying to do? Is she comparing the only democracy in the Middle East, which contributes in many ways to Europe’s defense and security, with Russia? Has she ever thought about what her words actually mean?”