Israel to Withdraw from 7 UN Agencies Following US Exit from 66 Global Bodies

Israel has announced it will sever ties with seven United Nations agencies and affiliated bodies, following the United States’ withdrawal from 66 international organizations.

The decision was disclosed by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar after a comprehensive review of Israel’s engagement with global institutions.

Israel has already disengaged from four UN entities:

• Office of the Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict (which blacklisted the Israel Defense Forces in 2024 alongside ISIS and Boko Haram)
• UN Women (accused of ignoring sexual violence against Israeli women during the October 7, 2023 attacks)
• UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

The latest withdrawals now include:

• UN Alliance of Civilizations (accused of anti‑Israel bias and exclusion)
• UN Energy (criticized for excessive bureaucracy)
• Global Forum on Migration and Development

Sa’ar said the move reflects a broader examination of organizations that “consistently act against Israel or fail to function effectively.” He added that further reviews are underway and additional steps may follow.

The decision comes after Washington’s exit from dozens of international bodies, prompting Israel to reassess its own participation. Sa’ar accused several agencies of producing “virulent anti‑Israel reports” and promoting biased agendas, echoing Israel’s long‑standing criticism of perceived hostility within UN structures.

Informed observers note the withdrawals could deepen Israel’s rift with multilateral institutions, while supporters argue the move underscores the need to prioritize effective and impartial engagement.