Israeli officials said pressure mounted on Guterres to add Israel to the list after Hamas was included last year.
By Shula Rosen
The United Nations has added Israel to its list of countries accused of using sexual violence as a weapon in conflict, placing it alongside Hamas and other armed groups, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post.
The report said the Israeli Prison Service will appear on the 2026 list, while additional Israeli authorities will remain under UN monitoring for possible inclusion in future reports.
Under UN procedures, countries and armed organizations remain on the secretary-general’s list for a minimum of one year. Hamas was added to the list in August 2025.
The move prompted a sharp response from Israeli officials, who accused UN Secretary-General António Guterres of yielding to political pressure during the final months of his term, according to Ynet.
Israel decided to freeze relations with Guterres’ office following the decision. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon condemned the measure, calling it “a moral disgrace.”
Israeli officials said pressure mounted on Guterres to add Israel to the list after Hamas was included last year.
The development follows earlier findings by Pramila Patten, the UN secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict, who reported “reasonable grounds” to believe Hamas committed rape and sexual violence during the October 7 massacre and during the captivity of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The UN list addresses allegations involving sexual violence in conflict zones and includes both states and nonstate armed organizations accused of carrying out such acts.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Israeli officials viewed the decision as particularly significant because of Hamas’ existing inclusion on the same list.
Officials cited by Ynet said the move reflected growing tensions between Israel and senior UN officials.
No further details were provided regarding which Israeli authorities, besides the Israeli Prison Service, remain under review for future inclusion.
The report did not specify when the updated 2026 list would formally take effect but stated that entities included on the secretary-general’s list remain there for at least one year under UN policy.
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