Netanyahu Criticizes UN Council for Accusations of Sexual Violence Against Israel

The United Nations Human Rights Council is facing severe criticism from Israel after its report accused the nation of using sexual violence against Palestinians since October 2023. The controversial document, titled “More than a human can bear: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence since October 2023,” levels grave allegations against the Jewish state.

Netanyahu’s Strong Response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the report, labeling the UN Human Rights Council as an antisemitic, corrupt, terrorist-supporting body lacking relevance. He expressed deep frustration over what he perceives as the council’s failure to focus on the atrocities committed by Hamas. He stated, “Instead of concentrating on the crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the Hamas terrorist organization during the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, the UN once again chooses to attack the State of Israel with false accusations, including outrageous and baseless allegations of sexual violence. This is not a Human Rights Council – it is a Blood Rights Council.”

Allegations of a Blood Libel

Numerous Israeli officials have branded the report a blood libel, asserting that it overlooks the sexual violence perpetrated on October 7. They contend that the report is not only unfounded but also harmful to Israel’s reputation on the international stage. This claim of unfair treatment aligns with longstanding concerns regarding the UN’s perceived bias against Israel.

U.S. Reaction to the Report

The U.S. Ambassador Designate to the United Nations, Elise Stefanik, also criticized the report, branding it as antisemitic and a form of anti-Israel slander. She highlighted the failure of the Human Rights Council to condemn the horrific acts committed by Hamas, which include the slaughter, torture, and abduction of innocents, along with a disturbing use of sexual violence against Israeli women and girls. In her statement, Stefanik emphasized the absurdity of the UN’s unfounded attacks on Israel while ignoring the brutal realities inflicted by Hamas.

A Distorted Perspective

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, dismissed the report as another vile and distorted document emerging from the UN. He asserted, “This report is not even worth the paper it was printed on. Anyone who supported this false publication is complicit in whitewashing Hamas’ war crimes and trampling on the truth. The UN is busy looking for ways to blame Israel instead of facing reality. History will judge you.” This statement reflects the frustration felt by Israeli officials who view the UN’s actions as biased and detrimental to Israel’s cause.

Misrepresentation of Facts

The executive director of UNWatch, Hillel Neuer, described the UN inquiry as reminiscent of a Stalinist show trial, accusing it of manipulation to falsely implicate Israel in crimes committed by Hamas. This assertion highlights broader concerns about the integrity of the UN’s investigative processes.

The Report’s Findings

The controversial report outlines a range of alleged abuse by Israeli troops, referring to them as the Israel Security Forces rather than the Israel Defense Forces, which is their accurate title in Hebrew and English. It critiques Israel’s military strategies, asserting that the destruction caused has resulted in disproportionate violence against women and children. Furthermore, complaints of forced public stripping have emerged in the report. However, Israeli officials maintain that these measures are crucial for security purposes to ensure detainees are not concealing explosives.

Security vs. Human Rights

The report acknowledges that strip searches are lawful under certain security justifications, yet it claims that Israel’s methods fall short of international standards. This tension between security measures and adherence to human rights raises significant ethical questions on the ground.

Condemnation of Sexual Violence

Navi Pillay, chair of the inquiry commission, condemned the rising trend of sexual and gender-based violence. She remarked that Israel utilizes sexual violence as a tool to terrorize Palestinians, constructing a system of oppression that undermines their right to self-determination. Such allegations have sparked outrage among Israeli officials, who feel any claims of this nature should be substantiated with evidence and not mere assertions.

Historical Context of the Inquiry

Critics of the inquiry, including Anne Bayefsky, Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, argue that the leadership has consistently pushed a narrative that labels the Jewish state as inherently racist. With claims of bias in the inquiry process, Bayefsky pointed out that the commission ignored numerous submissions that could have contradicted their predetermined conclusions, thereby calling the credibility of their findings into question.

Looking Ahead

In light of the intense debates surrounding this report, both Israeli and international observers remain vigilant. Accusations of sexual violence during conflicts require careful consideration and factual substantiation. The ongoing dynamics at the UN regarding Israel will likely influence perceptions and international relations for years to come.

Final Thoughts on the Inquiry

The allegations surrounding sexual violence in conflict zones are an essential and sensitive issue. When accusations arise, they demand comprehensive investigation rather than biased representation. Moving forward, finding common ground within the UN and ensuring a fair and transparent process for addressing such allegations will be crucial for fostering peace and understanding in the region.