UN Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. However, the council has faced significant criticism and allegations of bias, particularly from Israeli leaders, over its treatment of Israel.

Recent developments have reignited the controversy surrounding the UNHRC's stance on Israel. A report by the council accused Israel of committing acts of "sexual violence" and "deliberate genocide" during its military operations in Gaza. This report sparked outrage from top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who condemned the allegations as "blood libels" and "unbelievable."

In response to the report and longstanding concerns over the council's perceived anti-Israel bias, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that Israel would follow the lead of the United States under former President Donald Trump and withdraw from the UNHRC. This decision highlights the deep rift between Israel and the council, which has long been criticized for disproportionately focusing on Israel's actions while overlooking human rights violations in other countries.

The UNHRC's treatment of Israel has been a contentious issue since its establishment in 2006, replacing the former UN Commission on Human Rights. Critics argue that the council has exhibited a pattern of singling out Israel for condemnation, while turning a blind eye to human rights abuses committed by other nations, including some of its own members.

Supporters of the UNHRC, however, maintain that the council plays a crucial role in holding all countries accountable for human rights violations and that its scrutiny of Israel is justified given the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the human rights situation in the occupied territories.