United Nations

Research by the Institute for National Security Studies: UN reports on hunger in Gaza present a distorted picture – used as a basis for claims against Israel

The State of Israel is in the middle of a political, media, and public attack against it, on the way to becoming a state that is internationally isolated. What are the consequences of this situation—and how can we stop this dangerous deterioration?

Over the years Israel-UN relations have been mixed. On the one hand, the decisions condemning Israel within the different institutions of the UN reflects the hostile attitude toward Israel. On the other hand, Israel’s acceptance as a member of the Western European and Others Group and the gradual change in the voting patterns of developing countries indicate an expanding positive orientation toward Israel. The purpose of this article is to survey the primary trends in Israel-UN relations, with a focus on the change in Israeli policy over the past two decades, its catalysts, and its manifestation. The review reveals a shift from Israel’s traditional policy of “the UN is nothing” to the adoption of a proactive approach and an expanded attempt to work from within the ranks of the UN in order to influence its decisions through three principal modes of action: taking part in meeting the global Millennium Development Goals; filling key positions within various UN institutions; and attempting to influence voting processes within the General Assembly.