Jerusalem:
A day after US President Donald Trump declared America’s exit from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, announced that Israel would also withdraw from the body.
Israel Aligns with US on UNHRC Withdrawal
Sa’ar voiced his support for Trump’s decision, describing it as a step in the right direction. In a post on X, the Israeli foreign minister stated:
Israel welcomes President Trump’s decision not to participate in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Israel joins the United States and will not participate in the UNHRC.
The UNHRC has traditionally protected human rights abusers by allowing them to hide from scrutiny, and…
— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) February 5, 2025
Sa’ar criticized the UNHRC for allegedly shielding human rights violators, while disproportionately focusing on Israel. “The discrimination against us is clear: In the UNHRC, Israel is the only country with an agenda item dedicated solely to it. Israel has been subjected to over 100 condemnatory resolutions, over 20% of all resolutions ever passed in the Council – more than against Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Venezuela combined,” he added.
Context of the Announcement
The announcement came during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States. During a joint press conference with Netanyahu in Washington, D.C., Trump outlined his decision to exit the UNHRC and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), due to allegations of UNRWA’s ties with Hamas.
“I’m also pleased to announce that this afternoon the United States withdrew from the anti-semitic UN Human Rights Council and ended all of the support for the UN Relief and Works Agency, which funnelled money to Hamas and which was very disloyal to humanity,” Trump stated.
Israel Assumes a Strong Position
Netanyahu’s visit to the US extended beyond the Gaza ceasefire agreement to include discussions on broader Middle East plans. In his remarks, Trump emphasized the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel. “The bonds of friendship and affection between the American and Israeli people have endured for generations, and they are absolutely unbreakable,” he said.
Netanyahu is also expected to meet with US military leaders and members of Congress over the coming days, continuing discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
The Future of Israel’s Engagement
The withdrawal from the UNHRC represents a significant shift in Israel’s foreign policy, reflecting a growing perception of bias and discrimination within international human rights bodies. By aligning with the US, Israel hopes to bolster its position and address what it deems unfair scrutiny.
However, the move is likely to be met with criticism from those who believe that membership in the UNHRC is crucial for promoting human rights and fighting global injustice. The decision stands out amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East and raises questions about the effectiveness and future direction of the UNHRC.
Conclusion
Israel’s decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council, following the US, highlights the growing criticism of the body’s policies and practices. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to observe how this move impacts international relations and human rights discussions globally.
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