Israel will sever all contact with three additional UN agencies and affiliated bodies following recent U.S. withdrawals from dozens of international organizations.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar ordered the cutoff of ties with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, UN‑Energy and the Global Forum on Migration and Development, accusing the bodies of bias against Israel.
The ministry said it is also reviewing whether to continue cooperation with other international organizations, without clarifying whether the move signals a shift in Israel’s overall relationship with the UN system.
Israel’s relationship with the UN has been fraught for decades, largely over criticism of its occupation of Palestinian territories. Tensions have deepened since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, prompting accusations at international forums of genocide and deliberate starvation — allegations Israel rejects.
In 2024, Israel formally cut ties with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, a move humanitarian groups and UN officials warned would severely impact Palestinians dependent on the agency for essential services.
