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

Days after the United States announced its withdrawal from 66 international organisations, Israel has declared that it will pull out of seven United Nations agencies and affiliated bodies, citing what it describes as persistent anti-Israel bias, institutional inefficiency, and excessive bureaucracy.

The announcement was made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who said the move followed an internal government review initiated after Washington’s sweeping disengagement from multiple global institutions. According to Sa’ar, Israel will “immediately sever all contact” with certain UN organisations and reevaluate its engagement with others based on their conduct and relevance.

“This decision reflects a broader examination of international organisations that consistently act against Israel or fail to fulfil their stated mandates effectively,” Sa’ar said, adding that further withdrawals could follow pending additional assessments.

Israel has already withdrawn from four UN agencies

Israel has already cut ties with several UN bodies that were included in the US pullout declaration. Among the most contentious was the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, which placed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on its blacklist in 2024.

Sa’ar described that move as “shameless,” arguing that “Israel is the only democratic country listed alongside terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Boko Haram.” He confirmed that Israel formally severed relations with the office in June last year.

Israel has also withdrawn from UN Women, accusing the agency of failing to address sexual violence committed against Israeli women during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. According to Sa’ar, Israel formally notified the UN Secretary-General in July 2024 that all engagement with UN Women would cease, and the existing cooperation framework was terminated.

Additionally, Israel has cut ties with the UN Conference on trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The foreign minister alleged that both organisations had, over the years, published what he termed “virulent anti-Israel reports” that undermined their credibility and neutrality.

Looking ahead, Israel will also sever its relationship with the UN Alliance of Civilizations. Sa’ar claimed that while the organisation, founded by Spain and Turkey, presents itself as a platform for interfaith dialogue, it has “for years served as a stage for attacks against Israel” while excluding Israeli participation.

Israel will further withdraw from the Global Forum on Migration and Development, as well as UN Energy. Sa’ar described UN Energy as emblematic of what he called the UN system’s “excessive and inefficient bureaucracy,” arguing that it delivers little tangible value to member states.

The foreign minister said that his ministry, working in coordination with other relevant government departments, has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive review of Israel’s engagement with additional international organisations.

“This is not an isolated step,” Sa’ar said. “It is part of a systematic reassessment of where Israel invests its diplomatic, financial, and institutional resources, and whether those organisations genuinely uphold fairness, effectiveness, and their declared principles.”

Analysts say Israel’s decision underscores a broader shift among some US allies toward selective multilateralism, particularly amid growing criticism of UN agencies over perceived politicisation and governance failures.

With the review process ongoing, Israeli officials have indicated that further announcements could follow, potentially reshaping Israel’s future engagement with the UN system and other international bodies.