Israel Condemns UN for Blacklisting Security Forces
Israeli officials are criticizing the United Nations for including several Israeli security groups on a blacklist related to sexual violence. This list notably also includes the terrorist group Hamas.
Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, expressed strong disapproval, stating, “It is a moral disgrace to have Israel placed on the same list as Hamas and ISIS.” He claimed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has lost all credibility due to this decision.
According to reports, the UN added the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Prison Services, and the Border Police Counter Terrorism Unit to a section of its annual report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. This was based on allegations of the groups being involved in acts of sexual violence against Palestinians.
Danon’s spokesperson mentioned that Israel would halt relations with Guterres’ office while he remains in his role. During a video statement, Danon argued that Israel is a strong democracy and invited UN representatives to investigate these allegations, which he described as absurd. He criticized the UN for neglecting this invitation and continuing its campaign against Israel.
In a letter to Danon, Guterres explained that the inclusion of these groups was due to confirmed cases of sexual violence against Palestinians in the occupied territories and in Israel. He noted that such reports have accumulated over the past year.
The UN has not responded to inquiries regarding this matter.
The Israel Foreign Ministry later called the UN’s decision an example of bias. They labeled a recent opinion piece in The New York Times as a “blood libel,” asserting that the article inaccurately portrayed Israel’s actions.
Ambassador Danon pointed out that while Israel citizens have faced severe atrocities, the portrayal remains skewed against Israel. The Foreign Ministry stated that despite providing evidence and data to the UN, Guterres chose to take a politically motivated stance.
Further, the Ministry criticized Guterres for previous comments about the October 7 attacks and his alleged attempts to downplay the role of UN staff in those events. They concluded that until a new Secretary-General is appointed, Israel will maintain distance from Guterres’ office.
