Israel has announced its withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the council of targeting Israel instead of addressing global human rights issues. On X, he claimed the council spreads antisemitism and unfairly focuses on Israel.
He pointed out that Israel is the only country with a permanent agenda item (Item 7). The council has passed over 100 resolutions against Israel—more than against Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela combined. Israel refuses to accept this discrimination any longer.
Earlier, former President Donald Trump signed a decree questioning US involvement in several UN organizations, including the UNHRC. However, the US is no longer a member since its term ended earlier this year.
A formal withdrawal is not possible, but Washington may choose to stop observing council meetings and decline future membership.
The Austrian Volker Türk has served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since 2022.