Israel Severs Ties With UN Chief Over Sexual Violence Blacklist

The Government of Israel severed all diplomatic ties with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres after the UN added Israeli entities, including the Israel Prison Service, to its 2026 blacklist of parties suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence. The UN report verified 31 cases of abuse against Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and West Bank between 2023 and 2025, citing gang rape, forced nudity, and violence at sites such as the Sde Teiman military camp. The report also blacklisted Russian forces for 310 instances of sexual violence in Ukraine.

Israeli officials condemned the decision as a moral disgrace and a political attack, objecting to being listed alongside groups like Hamas and ISIS. Ambassador Danny Danon stated that the Israeli mission would maintain no contact with the Secretary-General's office until a new chief is appointed. Israel further cancelled a planned visit by UN special representative Pramila Patten and denied that the allegations were based on fact, claiming the UN ignored evidence provided by Israel.

In response, the UN stated that its investigations were obstructed by the Israeli government. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric maintained that Guterres's door remains open to Israeli representatives. While the Organization of Islamic Cooperation welcomed the listing as a victory for accountability, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the broader report as a crucial step toward truth.