Israel has announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), following the United States’ decision to no longer participate in the body.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed the decision on Wednesday, stating on social media platform X, "Israel welcomes President (Donald) Trump’s decision not to participate in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Israel joins the United States and will not participate in the UNHRC."
The announcement came after former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to formally withdraw the United States from the UNHRC. The order also bars the US from providing further funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The UN agency has been under scrutiny since Israel accused 12 of its employees of involvement in the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack by Hamas, which triggered the ongoing Gaza conflict. Former US President Joe Biden had already halted funding to UNRWA in January 2024, with the suspension initially set to last until March 2025.
Before the departure of Israel and the US, the Geneva-based UNHRC comprised 47 member states, with seats allocated across five regional groups. The council has frequently been a point of contention for both countries, with Israel and the US previously criticizing its stance on Israeli policies in Palestinian territories.
The move marks a significant shift in international diplomatic relations, further distancing Israel and the US from the UN’s human rights body.