UN adds Israeli entities to blacklist of countries that commit sexual violence🤬
The United Nations has added Israeli entities to a blacklist of parties accused of sexual violence in conflict zones, a list that also includes Hamas and other terror organizations, the Jerusalem Post first reported. The Israeli Prison Service will be included on the 2026 list, along with other Israeli authorities placed under a monitoring framework for possible future inclusion.
A country or armed group remains on the UN Secretary-General’s list for at least one year. Hamas was added in August 2025.
The move follows reports from the UN Secretary-General’s representative on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, which found “reasonable grounds” that Hamas committed rape and other sexual violence during the October 7 attack and while holding hostages in Gaza.
Israel says that after Hamas was added, the UN Secretary-General came under heavy pressure to also include Israel. In August 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres placed Israel “on notice” for possible inclusion on the blacklist, citing concerns about alleged patterns of abuse, which Israel denies.
Over the past year, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon and his team held meetings with UN officials, submitting documents, data, and detailed responses, and inviting UN staff to visit Israel and review the allegations firsthand. Israel maintains that these findings were ignored.
Despite this, the UN Secretary-General proceeded with Israel’s inclusion. Israel has since frozen relations with the Secretary-General’s office and canceled Pramila Patten’s planned visit. It also said it will not maintain contact with the office while Guterres remains in post.
Danon said it was a “moral disgrace,” that Israel was placed alongside Hamas and ISIS, and accused the UN of ignoring evidence and spreading false claims. Guterres’ term ends on December 31, 2026, and Israeli officials view the timing as part of a leadership transition context. A source close to the issue told the Jerusalem Post that Israel sees this as Guterres’ attempt at a ‘last hurrah.’
The UN is also facing a major fiscal crisis, including $1.56 billion in unpaid member dues.
The development came weeks after a New York Times op-ed by Nicholas Kristof alleged widespread sexual violence by Israeli forces and settlers, based on interviews. Kristof said there was no evidence of leadership orders, but described a broader pattern. Israel called the piece a “blood libel” and part of a coordinated campaign, noting it did not include findings from its Civil Commission, which concluded Hamas committed systematic sexual violence during the October 7 attack and in captivity. Israeli officials say the article may have influenced the UN decision.
Critics of the UN move, including legal and policy figures cited by the Jerusalem Post, described it as evidence of bias and called for institutional reform and independent review.
