Tel Aviv, 14 January (H.S.): In a bold diplomatic maneuver mirroring recent U.S. actions, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Tuesday the immediate severance of all contact with seven United Nations agencies and international bodies, citing entrenched anti-Israel bias, politicization, and bureaucratic waste .
The decision stems from a comprehensive review triggered by the United States' withdrawal from 66 international organizations on January 7, 2026, as directed by an executive order from President Donald Trump .
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described those entities as redundant, mismanaged, or advancing agendas contrary to American interests, prompting Israel to reassess its own engagements.
Targeted Organizations and Justifications
Israel has now cut ties with the following bodies, building on prior disengagements:Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict: Blacklisted the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 2024 alongside groups like ISIS, despite Israel's democratic status; ties severed in June 2024 .
UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women):
Ignored sexual violence against Israeli women on October 7, 2023; cooperation ended in July 2024 at Israel's request .
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): Issued dozens of virulent anti-Israel reports; disengaged for years.
UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA): Produces annual anti-Israel reports fueling UN resolutions; long-term disengagement.
UN Alliance of Civilizations: Failed to include Israel despite its dialogue mandate, serving as an anti-Israel platform.
UN Energy: Exemplifies UN inefficiency and excessive bureaucracy.
Global Forum on Migration and Development: Undermines sovereign states' immigration enforcement.
Foreign Minister Sa'ar has directed the ministry to consult relevant government bodies and scrutinize additional organizations, with further decisions pending thorough evaluation .
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
