Israel has been placed on a United Nations “blacklist” over allegations of conflict-related sexual violence in war zones and occupied territories, prompting a strong reaction from Tel Aviv.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, confirmed the development on Thursday, May 28. He condemned the UN’s decision, describing it as “politically motivated” and “detached from reality.”
According to a report by *The Jerusalem Post*, Israel has suspended its cooperation with the office of UN Secretary-General António Guterres in protest against the decision.
Since October 2023, several human rights organizations and international media outlets, including *Middle East Eye*, have published reports alleging rape and various forms of sexual violence committed against Palestinians by Israeli forces. The United Nations is believed to have taken the measure following these allegations.
*The Jerusalem Post* was the first to report Israel’s inclusion on the blacklist. According to the report, the 2026 list includes the Israeli Prison Service (IPS) authorities. Several other Israeli institutions are also reportedly under review for possible future inclusion.
Expressing anger over the decision, Ambassador Danny Danon said the UN Secretary-General had placed Israel in the same category as organizations such as Hamas and ISIS. He argued that the move reflects a moral failure within the United Nations and further damages the organization’s credibility.
The blacklist is published annually as part of the UN Secretary-General’s report on conflict-related sexual violence. It identifies parties accused of involvement in rape and other forms of sexual violence during armed conflicts.
