Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Israel Cuts Ties with UN Bodies
Israel has decided to stop working with several United Nations (UN) groups and other international organisations.
The decision was made by Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, after the United States decided to leave many international groups.
Israel says these UN groups are unfair and biased against them.
They have already stopped working with some groups, like the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict and UN Women.
Israel also says these groups have been mean to them and have not treated them fairly.
They will now look at other groups and decide if they should stop working with them too.
Israel thinks some of these groups are wasteful and don't do a good job.
The UN groups haven't said much about this, but they usually say their job is to help people and countries work together.
Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, has decided to sever all contact with several UN agencies and international bodies.
The decision follows the United States' withdrawal from dozens of international organisations.
Israel has already cut ties with seven UN bodies, including the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict and UN Women.
The decision is based on allegations of persistent bias, politicisation, and hostile actions against Israel by these organisations.
Further decisions on cooperation with additional international organisations will be made after a thorough review.
- Who
- Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar
- What
- Israel has decided to sever all contact with several UN agencies and international bodies
- When
- Tuesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Why
- Due to persistent bias, politicisation, and hostile actions against Israel
Israel's Perspective
UN's Perspective
Bias and Hostility
Israel's Perspective
Israel claims these UN bodies are persistently biased, politicised, and hostile towards Israel.
UN's Perspective
The UN bodies have not publicly responded to these allegations, but generally maintain their mandate is to uphold human rights and international cooperation.
Effectiveness of UN Bodies
Israel's Perspective
Israel describes some of these organisations as 'wasteful' and suffering from 'excessive and inefficient bureaucracy'.
UN's Perspective
The UN bodies likely argue that their work is essential for global cooperation and addressing critical issues.
- Decision Maker
- Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar
- Reason for Decision
- Persistent bias, politicisation, and hostile actions against Israel
- Organisations Severed Ties With
- Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict, UN Women, UNCTAD, ESCWA, UN Alliance of Civilisations, UN Energy, Global Forum on Migration and Development
- Date of Decision
- Tuesday (specific date not mentioned)
- US Influence
- Decision made following US withdrawal from international organisations
- IDF Blacklisting
- Israel claims the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict 'shamelessly blacklisted the IDF in 2024.'
- UN Women's Alleged Omission
- Israel accuses UN Women of ignoring cases of sexual violence against Israeli women on Oct. 7th, 2023.
- UNCTAD and ESCWA Reports
- Israel alleges these bodies have authored 'virulent anti-Israel reports.'
Sources
Israel Cuts Ties With UN Bodies Following US Withdrawal
After US, Israel Cuts Ties With Several UN Bodies
After US exits 66 international bodies, Israel follows suit and withdraws itself from 7 UN agencies – Firstpost
After US, Israel cuts ties with several UN bodies
Israel says it will 'immediately sever all contact' with several UN bodies | FULL LIST HERE
Netanyahu follows in Trump's footsteps: Israel withdraws from several international organizations after US
'Immediately Sever All Contact': Israel Cuts Ties With Several UN Bodies - Here's Why
