Israel has severed all contact with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after being added to a UN blacklist of entities accused of conflict-related sexual violence. The Israeli mission to the UN announced the decision on Thursday, calling the inclusion "outrageous" and "political."
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated in a video posted on X that the country would have no contact with Guterres’ office as long as he remains UN chief. The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused the UN of being "politicized and corrupt," claiming the blacklist was an attempt to create a "fake symmetry" between Israel and Hamas. The UN’s annual report on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) includes the Israeli Prison Service in its 2026 list, alongside Hamas and ISIS.
Deeper Dive and Context
The UN cited "credible information" regarding alleged sexual violence by Israeli security forces, first warning Israel in August 2025 that it could be added to the list. Hamas was included in the registry in August 2025 following the October 7, 2023, attacks, during which Israeli authorities reported sexual violence by Palestinian militants. Israel denies all allegations and has submitted evidence to refute the claims, inviting UN representatives to investigate on-site, which they declined.
Official Responses and Implications
Guterres’ spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the secretary-general’s door remains open to Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized Guterres for "fabricating baseless accusations" and accused him of undermining the UN’s credibility. The decision to cut ties is seen as a significant escalation in Israel’s relations with the UN, potentially affecting future cooperation on humanitarian and diplomatic issues.
Background and Broader Context
The UN’s CRSV list is updated annually and includes parties accused of sexual violence in conflict zones. Entities remain on the list for one year. Israel’s inclusion has sparked outrage domestically, with officials arguing that the UN is biased against the country. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and the UN over various reports and resolutions.