Israel Withdraws from Several UN Bodies, Citing Bias and Inefficiency

Israel Withdraws from Multiple UN Bodies Amid Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

Israel has announced an immediate withdrawal from seven United Nations agencies and affiliated platforms , signalling a sharp escalation in its disengagement from multilateral institutions. The decision comes shortly after the United States exited dozens of international organisations and reflects Israel’s growing dissatisfaction with what it describes as systemic bias and inefficiency within parts of the UN system.

Review Following the US Exit

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the move followed a comprehensive review of Israel’s participation in international organisations, initiated after the recent US withdrawals. He stated that Israel would immediately cut ties with selected UN bodies while continuing to reassess engagement with others.

According to the Foreign Minister, several UN agencies have either repeatedly acted against Israel’s interests or failed to function in an objective and effective manner, making continued participation counterproductive.

Agencies Already Disengaged

Some of the withdrawals formalise steps that had already been taken. Israel previously ended cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict after the Israel Defense Forces were included on a UN blacklist in 2024—an action Israel strongly criticised as unfair and politically motivated.

Ties were also severed with UN Women in mid-2024. Israeli authorities accused the organisation of failing to adequately address sexual violence committed against Israelis during the October 7 attacks, prompting a complete halt in cooperation.

Further Exits and Allegations of Bias

Israel has additionally withdrawn from the UN Conference on Trade and Development and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) . The Foreign Minister alleged that both bodies have consistently produced reports hostile to Israel’s political and security positions.

Looking ahead, Israel has indicated plans to exit other UN-linked platforms, including the UN Alliance of Civilisations , UN Energy , and the Global Forum on Migration and Development , citing excessive bureaucracy and what it perceives as entrenched anti-Israel narratives.

Broader Reassessment of Multilateral Engagement

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has launched a wider review of the country’s participation in international frameworks, in coordination with other government departments. Officials suggested that additional withdrawals remain possible, depending on the findings of this evaluation.

The move reflects a shift towards a more selective approach to multilateralism , with Israel indicating it will prioritise engagement only with forums it views as neutral, effective, and aligned with its national interests.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• Countries can withdraw from UN agencies without exiting the United Nations itself.

• UN Women works globally on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

• UNCTAD focuses on trade, investment, and development issues.

• Withdrawal decisions are unilateral and based on national policy choices.

• Israel is reassessing its broader participation in multilateral institutions.