Israel Takes Drastic Step Against UN Agencies
Israel has decided to cut all contact with several United Nations agencies and international bodies. The move comes immediately after a thorough review. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar made this decision following the United States' withdrawal from dozens of international organizations.
Prompted by US Action and Alleged Bias
Jerusalem explained the drastic step. It pointed to what it calls persistent bias and politicization by the affected bodies. The ministry described actions as hostile to Israel. Last week, US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of 66 international organizations and treaties. About half of these were linked to the United Nations. Trump accused the bodies of acting against American interests.
Israel's foreign ministry posted the announcement on X. The statement said Minister Sa'ar decided Israel will immediately sever all contact with specific UN agencies and international organizations. This followed an examination and discussion after the US withdrawals. Sa'ar also instructed his ministry to examine continued cooperation with other organizations. Further decisions will come after more thorough examination and discussion.
Specific Agencies Affected
The decision applies right now to several bodies:
- The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
- The UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
- The UN Conference on Trade and Development
- The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
- The UN Alliance of Civilizations
- UN Energy
- The Global Forum on Migration and Development
The Foreign Ministry gave reasons for each cut. It ended cooperation with the children and armed conflict office after that agency included the Israel Defense Forces in its annual "blacklist." The list names groups concerning children in armed conflict. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad also appear on it.
"Israel is the only democratic country to be listed, alongside ISIS and Boko Haram," the ministry noted. Israel had already cut ties with this office in June 2024.
Detailed Accusations Against Each Body
The ministry said Sa'ar withdrew Israel from UN Women. It accused the agency of deliberately ignoring all cases of sexual violence against Israeli women on October 7, 2023. Israel also exited the UN Agency for Trade and Development and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. It cited what it called "virulent anti-Israel reports" from these bodies.
Israel accused the Alliance of Civilizations of being used as a platform for attacks against the country. The ministry called UN Energy a "wasteful organization." It said this body exemplifies the excessive and inefficient bureaucracy of the UN. Regarding the Global Forum on Migration and Development, Israel claimed it erodes the ability of sovereign nations to enforce their own immigration laws.
Longstanding Grievances with the UN
Israel has long accused the United Nations of systemic bias. It notes that more resolutions pass against it each year than against all other countries combined. Israel has been especially critical of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Well before Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel, Israel accused UNRWA of colluding with Hamas and promoting anti-Israel incitement. The agency denies these allegations.
Citing what it describes as entrenched links to terror groups, Israel has banned UNRWA from operating within its territory. It has also restricted the agency's activities in Gaza and the West Bank. This latest move represents a significant escalation in Israel's strained relationship with multilateral institutions.
