Israel has announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), following a similar move by the United States.

"I have informed the UNHRC that Israel will no longer participate in this organization. In response to President Donald Trump’s rightful decision, Israel will not tolerate the blatant anti-Semitism of this council. Enough is enough!" Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared today.

Saar also shared a photo of a letter sent to UNHRC President Jorg Lauber. "This decision was made due to the UNHRC’s persistent bias against Israel since its establishment in 2006," the letter stated.

Francesca Albanese, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, criticized Israel’s decision, calling it "extremely serious."

"This shows arrogance and a complete lack of awareness of what they have done. They insist they are right, refuse to take responsibility, and are demonstrating this to the entire international community," Albanese said.

Israel’s announcement comes just two days after President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the UNHRC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The U.S. is also reviewing its participation in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

White House Press Secretary Will Scharf stated that the move was meant to counter "anti-American bias" within U.N. agencies.

The UNHRC is composed of 47 member states elected by the U.N. General Assembly for three-year terms. The U.S. completed its most recent term on December 31, 2024. While neither the U.S. nor Israel are currently members of the council, both retain observer status.

(Sources: Reuters, AFP)