Jerusalem [Israel]: A day after US President Donald Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Israel has followed suit. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar declared on Wednesday that Israel would no longer participate in the UNHRC, accusing it of anti-Israel bias.
Israel Accuses UNHRC of Bias
In a post on X, Sa’ar welcomed Trump’s decision and confirmed Israel’s withdrawal from the UNHRC, stating:
“Israel welcomes President 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 Israeli FM claimed that the UNHRC protects human rights abusers while unfairly targeting Israel. He stated that the council has passed over 100 resolutions condemning Israel, more than those against Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Venezuela combined.
“This body has focused on attacking a democratic country and propagating antisemitism, instead of promoting human rights,” he added.
Trump Announces US Withdrawal from UNHRC and UNRWA
The announcement came during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the US. In a joint press conference in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump confirmed that the US would withdraw from the UNHRC and end support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
“I’m pleased to announce that this afternoon, the United States withdrew from the anti-Semitic UN Human Rights Council and ended all support for the UNRWA, which funneled money to Hamas,” Trump stated.
Additionally, the US is reinstating its “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, including aggressive sanctions aimed at reducing Iran’s oil exports to zero.
Netanyahu’s US Visit and Future Discussions
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the US on Sunday to discuss:
- The ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations
- Middle East peace plans
- Meetings with US military leaders and Congress members
Trump emphasized the unbreakable bond between the US and Israel, reaffirming support for Israel’s security.
“The bonds of friendship and affection between the American and Israeli people have endured for generations, and they are absolutely unbreakable,” Trump said.
