On 5 February, 2025, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the country’s withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council. The decision follows a similar move by the United States. Saar accused the UNHRC of “demonising” Israel and protecting human rights violators.
Institutional Bias
In his statement, Saar stressed that the UNHRC demonstrated a persistent and ongoing institutional bias against Israel since its establishment in 2006.
Saar noted that this bias is evident in numerous resolutions condemning Israel’s actions, particularly regarding its operations in the Gaza Strip and the treatment of Palestinians.
Israel’s decision follows a similar move by the United States, which earlier announced its withdrawal from the UNHRC. The American administration also accused the Council of bias against Israel and insufficient response to human rights violations in other countries.
However, Israel is not a member of the UNHRC yet Israel participates in the Council as an observer state.
Therefore, framing of any ‘official departure’ may be true for it’s status as a observer state yet Israel cannot leave the Council, which it does not belong to.
International Reaction
Israel’s decision has caused mixed reactions. Some countries and human rights organisations expressed concern about the possible weakening of human rights protection mechanisms. Others supported Israel’s move, pointing to the need to reform the UNHRC and eliminate its bias.
In response to criticism, Saar said that Israel will continue to defend its interests in the international arena and will cooperate with other countries and organisations to promote human rights and combat anti-Semitism.
Saar emphasised that Israel remains committed to democratic values ​​and the protection of human rights, but cannot tolerate bias and double standards.
A History of Disagreement: The UNHRC & Israel
Since the founding of the UNHRC in 2006, Israel has been the subject of regular criticism.
According to the UN, between 2006-2024, more than 45 UNHRC resolutions condemned Israel. Resolutions condemning Israel amount to more than any other country, including Syria, Iran, and North Korea. Israel’s military operations in Gaza and settlement policies in the West Bank are particularly criticised.
Israel has repeatedly boycotted UNHRC meetings, claiming bias, and in 2012, it suspended cooperation. Despite the pressure, the country continued to engage with the UN, but its withdrawal from the UNHRC is the culmination of accumulated disagreements over the years.
The U.S. Role and Support for Israel
In 2018, the Donald Trump administration announced the U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council, accusing it of bias against Israel and ineffectiveness. In 2021, under Joe Biden, the U.S. returned to the UNHRC but continued to criticize its treatment of Israel.
Washington has repeatedly defended Israel in international organisations, vetoed anti-Israel resolutions at the UN, and opposed investigations into Israel. Israel’s decision to “withdraw” from the UNHRC demonstrates close coordination with the U.S., as both countries believe the council uses double standards by ignoring human rights violations in other countries, such as Iran and North Korea.
Israel’s exit from the UNHRC reflects deep-seated disagreements regarding alleged prejudice against the nation. While some consider this withdrawal a necessary response to perceived unfairness, others worry it undermines global human rights efforts.
The United States’ backing of Israel’s decision further emphasises the existing geopolitical rifts within international organisations.
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