Israel and the US Withdraw from UNHRC: Know more about what it means

Israel has announced that it will follow the United States and withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This decision came shortly after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order for America’s exit from the council. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed the news on Wednesday, praising the US decision as the right one. He stated on social media, “Israel welcomes President Trump’s decision not to participate in the UN Human Rights Council. Israel joins the United States and will not participate in the UNHRC.”

Israel has long criticized the UNHRC, accusing it of bias against the country. Saar claimed that the council unfairly targets Israel while allowing human rights abusers to avoid scrutiny. “This body has focused on attacking a democratic country and propagating antisemitism instead of promoting human rights,” he said on social media platform X (former Twitter). He also pointed out that Israel has been subjected to over 100 resolutions at the UNHRC, making up more than 20% of all resolutions ever passed by the council. “Israel will not accept this discrimination any longer!” Saar concluded in his statement.

The US withdrawal from the UNHRC also includes leaving the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), a move linked to the US concerns about alleged ties between UNRWA and the militant group Hamas.

 President Trump explained his decision, saying, “The United States withdrew from the anti-Semitic UN Human Rights Council and ended support for the UN Relief and Works Agency, which funneled money to Hamas.”

Trump has also pledged to continue maximum pressure on Iran and reinstate strict sanctions to limit Iranian oil exports and reduce support for militant groups.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently in the US, met with President Trump to discuss issues like the Gaza ceasefire and Middle East security. During their joint press conference, Netanyahu reaffirmed the strong bond between Israel and the United States, saying, “The bonds of friendship between the American and Israeli people have endured for generations, and they are absolutely unbreakable.”

The withdrawals of Israel and the US from the UNHRC have sparked reactions worldwide. Both countries have raised concerns about the council’s actions and its treatment of Israel. This move highlights ongoing tensions over the role of international organizations and their effectiveness in promoting human rights.