Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on July 11, 2024, that Israel will reevaluate its relationship with the United Nations following what he described as a series of biased and unfair resolutions against Israel. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions and conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s remarks were made during a press conference in Jerusalem, where he criticized the UN for its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He accused the international body of failing to recognize Israel’s right to self-defense and of disproportionately condemning Israeli actions while ignoring provocations and terrorist activities by Hamas.
“The United Nations has consistently demonstrated a bias against Israel, passing numerous resolutions that are one-sided and unjust. We will be reevaluating our relationship with the UN and considering all options to address this bias,” Netanyahu stated. “Israel will continue to defend itself against terrorist threats, and we expect fair treatment from international institutions.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come in response to recent UN resolutions and statements that have criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza and called for restraint. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s actions are aimed at protecting its citizens from ongoing rocket attacks and other threats posed by Hamas.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant supported Netanyahu’s stance, highlighting the need for international bodies to recognize the complexities of the conflict. “The UN must understand that Israel is facing a terrorist organization that uses civilians as human shields and targets innocent people. We expect the international community to stand with us in our fight against terrorism,” Gallant said.
The international community has reacted to Netanyahu’s announcement with a mix of concern and calls for dialogue. The United Nations reiterated its call for both sides to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict and to engage in peaceful negotiations. “We urge all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The protection of civilians must be a priority,” said a UN representative.
The United States expressed support for Israel’s security needs while encouraging continued engagement with international organizations. “We recognize Israel’s right to self-defense and support its efforts to protect its citizens. At the same time, we believe that continued dialogue with the UN and other international bodies is important for achieving lasting peace,” a US State Department spokesperson said.
The European Union also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and dialogue. “We are concerned about the current tensions and urge all parties to work towards de-escalation. It is crucial for Israel to remain engaged with the UN and other international organizations to address the broader issues at hand,” an EU representative stated.
As Israel reevaluates its relationship with the United Nations, the focus will be on finding ways to address the perceived bias and ensure fair treatment in international forums. Netanyahu’s statement underscores the ongoing challenges in navigating the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of international institutions.
