Israel’s relationship with the United Nations has deteriorated drastically since October 7, marked by insults, accusations, and even suggestions of suspending the country’s UN membership. Addressing the General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UN, saying it treats Israel unfairly and calling the organization “an anti-Semitic farce.”
Since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 people in Israel, the UN and its associated bodies have strongly criticized Israel’s retaliatory operations in Gaza, accusing the country of committing “genocide.” Israel, in turn, has responded by accusing the UN of bias and failing to address terrorism. This escalating rhetoric is a significant escalation in a long-standing feud between Israel and various UN institutions.
The deteriorating relations between Israel and the UN have been further inflamed by Israel’s ongoing military strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to experts, the relationship has shifted “from bad to worse” as Israel faces increased global scrutiny over its military actions in Gaza.
Israel has also taken issue with the UN’s handling of humanitarian concerns, specifically targeting UNRWA (the UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees), and accusing its staff of involvement in the October 7 attacks. UNRWA, which has suffered significant losses, has vehemently denied these claims, accusing Israel of attempting to dismantle the organization.
Calls for the resignation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, following his comments suggesting that the Hamas attack did not happen in isolation, have only intensified tensions.
While the UN has condemned Israel for its continued settlement expansions and violations of international law, Israel has criticized what it sees as disproportionate focus on its policies, with a third of all Human Rights Council resolutions since 2006 targeting Israel.
The situation raises questions about Israel’s future relations with the UN and the organization’s ability to mediate such deeply entrenched conflicts.
