In an unprecedented diplomatic standoff, Israel has declared United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata, effectively barring him from entering the country. This rare move underscores the growing strain between Israel and the UN, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiery criticism of the international body during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week.
Netanyahu, who did not meet Guterres during his recent visit to New York for the UNGA, accused the UN of systemic bias against Israel. In his speech, he lambasted the UN as a “joke,” a “contemptuous farce,” and accused it of harboring antisemitic sentiments. He highlighted that the UN has passed more resolutions condemning Israel than all other nations combined. “No other country has faced as many hostile resolutions as Israel,” Netanyahu said, arguing that the UN’s stance discredits its credibility on global issues.
This diplomatic fallout comes at a time when Israel’s actions, particularly in Gaza, are under intense scrutiny by the international community. The United Nations has consistently condemned Israel’s policies in Gaza, accusing the country of violating international humanitarian law. UN officials have often expressed concerns over Israel’s actions, stating that they amount to war crimes and could potentially be classified as crimes against humanity.
Israel’s impunity under US shield
The UN and several of its member nations, including many from the European Union, have long felt that Israel operates with near impunity due to the unwavering support it receives from the United States. Washington has routinely used its veto power in the UN Security Council to block resolutions condemning Israel. This dynamic has emboldened Israel to act in defiance of international law, critics argue.
In the broader global context, the UN General Assembly, which represents the collective voice of the world, has repeatedly voted to condemn Israel’s actions, especially its handling of the Gaza Strip. Just recently, a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories received overwhelming support, reflecting the global community’s growing frustration with Israel’s policies. However, these resolutions are non-binding, and Israel, backed by the US, has often ignored them.
ICC and ICJ focus on Netanyahu
Adding to the pressure, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is considering opening a case against Netanyahu for crimes against humanity in connection with Israeli military actions in Gaza. While no official warrant has been issued yet, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan is reportedly close to receiving one. If the case proceeds, it would mark a historic moment, as Netanyahu could become the first sitting leader of a Western democratic country to be charged with such grave crimes.
The ICC, which derives its authority from the Rome Statute, operates independently of the UN. Israel, like the United States, is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, and therefore does not recognise the ICC’s jurisdiction. However, the potential case could still have significant diplomatic and legal ramifications, as international pressure mounts on Israel.
On a parallel track, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the UN, has already indicated that substantial evidence exists supporting claims of genocide in Gaza. The ICJ, unlike the ICC, is part of the UN structure and has weighed in on the legality of Israel’s actions over the decades. The court has suggested that Israel’s policies could meet the legal threshold for genocide, a claim that Israel has vehemently denied.
India’s stance: Recognises ICJ, not ICC
India, which maintains a nuanced position on Israel, is not a party to the Rome Statute and, like Israel, only recognizes the ICJ. New Delhi has historically supported Palestinian self-determination but has deepened strategic ties with Israel in recent decades, particularly in defense and technology sectors. India’s diplomatic stance reflects the tightrope many nations walk between supporting international law while balancing geopolitical interests.
UN-Israel rift: A long history
The relationship between Israel and the United Nations has long been fraught with tension. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has faced a barrage of UN resolutions condemning its policies, particularly regarding its treatment of Palestinians. While the UN played a pivotal role in the creation of Israel, it has also been a consistent critic of Israeli occupation and settlement activities.
In recent years, the UN’s criticisms have centered on Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties. UN agencies, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have accused Israel of using disproportionate force, particularly in densely populated areas. Israel has countered these claims by asserting its right to defend itself against rocket attacks by Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza.
The UN’s condemnation has not been limited to military actions. The global body has also criticized Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank, which it considers a violation of international law. Settlements, which now house over 600,000 Israeli settlers, are seen by the UN as one of the primary obstacles to achieving a two-state solution.
Diplomatic fallout and broader implications
Israel’s decision to bar Guterres from entering the country signals a deepening diplomatic rift with the UN. By declaring the UN Chief persona non grata, Israel is not only escalating tensions but also sending a clear message that it will not tolerate what it perceives as unfair treatment by international bodies. This move could have broader diplomatic implications, potentially straining Israel’s relations with UN member states that support Guterres and the UN’s peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in the region.
For Netanyahu, the fallout with the UN comes at a politically sensitive time. Domestically, he faces growing unrest over his government’s judicial overhaul plans, which have sparked widespread protests. Internationally, Israel’s relations with the US, while strong, have seen occasional friction under the Biden administration, particularly regarding settlement expansion and military actions in Gaza.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely watching how both Israel and the UN navigate this growing rift. With potential legal proceedings against Netanyahu on the horizon and global condemnation of Israel’s Gaza policies intensifying, the diplomatic landscape remains fraught with uncertainty.
For now, Israel’s relationship with the United Nations appears to have reached a new low, with little hope of reconciliation in sight.
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