The United Nations has added Israel and Russia to its blacklist of countries accused of sexual violence during conflicts. Israel threatens to sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The United Nations recently blacklisted Israel and Russia for suspected involvement in conflict-related sexual violence, a move that has sparked diplomatic tensions between the countries and the international body. According to the UN Security Council’s annual report by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, both nations are now among those "credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other forms of sexual violence."
Israel's foreign ministry responded with anger, stating that it would sever all ties with Guterres and his office. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon described the move as a "new low," tweeting that it was politically motivated and disconnected from reality. He emphasized that Israel had not only denied the allegations but also invited UN representatives for an on-site inspection, which was ultimately suspended due to ongoing hostilities in Gaza.
In contrast, Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, welcomed the inclusion of Russia, tweeting his support for the report’s findings. The list does not automatically trigger specific punitive measures like sanctions; however, it can lead to significant reputational damage and exclusion from UN peacekeeping operations.
Pramila Patten, Guterres' special representative on sexual violence in conflict, confirmed that Israel had indeed been invited but cited disagreements over the scope of the visit and issues related to access and cooperation. These factors ultimately led to the suspension of the inspection mission. Despite this, Patten highlighted a concerning trend: verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence globally increased by more than 100% in 2025 compared to 2024.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual violence in conflict zones and highlights the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding such issues at the UN. As a new secretary-general is due to be appointed later this year, Israel's decision to sever ties with Guterres' office may have implications for future UN initiatives on this critical issue.
