Gideon Saar

Following Israel's recognition of Somaliland, Saar made an official visit to Hargeisa in January 2026. Somalia denounced the recognition and visit as an infringement of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

In June 2026, Saar announced that he was severing all contact with Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative, following remarks he considered unacceptable concerning Israeli policy and apartheid.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

In February 2025, Saar announced that Israel would cease participating in the UN Human Rights Council, which he accused of persistent institutional bias against Israel.

Attribution

Political responsibility

In August 2025, Saar publicly stated that there would be no Palestinian state, reaffirming his rejection of the two-state solution as several countries discussed or announced recognition of Palestine.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

After leaving Likud, founding New Hope and campaigning against Netanyahu, Saar joined his government in September 2024. The move strengthened Netanyahu's majority and was criticised as a major reversal following several years of outspoken opposition.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

In December 2024, Saar announced the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin, accusing Ireland of anti-Israeli policies and rhetoric following its recognition of Palestine and support for international legal proceedings concerning Gaza.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Shortly after 7 October, Saar stated on television that Gaza should be smaller at the end of the war and that an actor starting a war against Israel must lose territory, referring to a security zone. These remarks fuelled allegations of an intention to annex territory or impose territorial punishment.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

An anonymous letter attributed to a former subordinate accused Gideon Saar of abusive sexual relations and other serious conduct. The woman identified as its author denied writing it. Police concluded that the document was false and that their checks revealed no suspicion of improper or criminal conduct by Saar.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Personally implicated