Timeline of Israel and the United Nations
February
Former Israeli Hostage Appeals for Peace at UN
Noa Argamani, a former hostage rescued from Hamas, addresses the UN Security Council for the first time, sharing her personal story and advocating for peace and security in the region.
October
Israel Moves to Ban UNRWA Operations
The Israeli government has voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its territories and to cease all communication with the agency, citing security concerns.
August
Danny Danon Appointed as Israel's UN Ambassador
Danny Danon has been appointed for a second term as Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, making him the first ambassador to ever return for a second term.
December
Exposing Hamas’s sexual violence crimes committed against Israeli women at the UN
Israel’s Mission to the United Nations hosted a major event highlighting evidence of the horrific sexual violence crimes committed against Israeli women by Hamas on October 7th and during captivity. The event was attended by hundreds of ambassadors and diplomats, featuring testimonies that exposed the brutal crimes perpetrated by Hamas.
October
Outbreak of War Between Israel and Hamas
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launches a large-scale terror attack on Israel, murdering thousands and taking hostages of hundreds of innocent civilians, from babies to the elderly
June
Ambassador Gilad Erdan elected to serve as the vice-president of the General Assembly
Ambassador Gilad Erdan was elected to serve as one of the vice-presidents of the General Assembly for its seventy-seventh session as a representative of the Western states.
November
UN Adopts Israeli-Backed Resolution on Agricultural Technology
A resolution introduced by Israel on the use of agricultural technology for sustainable development is passed, highlighting Israel’s contributions to global food security.
July
Gilad Erdan Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Gilad Erdan (2020–2024) becomes Israel’s representative, focusing on combating anti-Israel bias in the UN.
June
Israel Elected as Vice Chair of a UN General Assembly Committee
Israel is elected as vice chair of the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee, marking a diplomatic achievement.
December
Israel Joins the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
Israel is admitted as a member, reflecting its growing role in space research and technology.
October
Danny Danon Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Danny Danon (2015–2020) takes office and secures Israel’s role in multiple UN committees.
September
Israeli Innovation Recognized at the UN
Prime Minister Netanyahu presents Israel’s technological advancements at the UN General Assembly, showcasing Israel as a leader in innovation.
June
Ron Prosor Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Ron Prosor (2011–2015) strengthens Israel’s presence at the UN and showcases its contributions in technology and innovation.
August
Meron Reuben Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Meron Reuben (2010–2011) serves as the acting ambassador during this period.
June
Israel’s First Participation in a UN Peacekeeping Mission
Israeli police officers join the UN mission in Haiti, marking Israel’s first official participation in a UN peacekeeping effort.
September
Gabriela Shalev Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Gabriela Shalev (2008–2010) represents Israel at the UN, leading the country’s first participation in a UN peacekeeping mission.
October
Israel Gains Full Membership in WEOG in Geneva
Israel gains full membership in the Western European and Others Group in Geneva, improving its diplomatic standing in UN institutions.
January
First-Ever UN Holocaust Remembrance Day
The UN designates January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, following efforts by Israel’s delegation.
January
Dan Gillerman Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Dan Gillerman (2003–2008) serves as Israel’s representative and plays a key role in establishing the UN’s Holocaust Remembrance Day.
June
UN Verifies Israel’s Withdrawal from Lebanon
The UN confirms that Israel has fully withdrawn from Lebanon in compliance with Security Council Resolution 425.
April
Israel Joins the UN Western European and Others Group (WEOG) on a Temporary Basis
After being excluded from a regional group for five decades, Israel is admitted to WEOG in New York, allowing it to participate in elections for UN bodies.
August
Yehuda Lancry Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Yehuda Lancry (1999–2002) takes office, leading efforts for Israel’s inclusion in the Western European and Others Group (WEOG).
August
Dore Gold Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Dore Gold (1997–1999) serves during a period of renewed peace efforts.
August
Gad Yaacobi Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Gad Yaacobi (1992–1996) represents Israel during significant peace negotiations.
December
Revocation of ‘Zionism is Racism’ Resolution
The UN General Assembly repeals Resolution 3379 (1975), marking a diplomatic victory for Israel.
August
Yoram Aridor Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Yoram Aridor (1990–1992) serves during the early 1990s.
July
Yohanan Bein Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Yohanan Bein (1988–1990) represents Israel during the late 1980s.
September
Benjamin Netanyahu Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Benjamin Netanyahu (1984–1988) serves as ambassador before later becoming Prime Minister.
September
Yehuda Blum Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Yehuda Blum (1978–1984) represents Israel during challenging diplomatic times.
December
Chaim Herzog Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Chaim Herzog (1975–1978) takes office.
November
‘Zionism is Racism’ Resolution (UNGA Resolution 3379)
The UN General Assembly adopts a resolution equating Zionism with racism, led by an Arab-Soviet coalition.
September
UNESCO Recognizes Hebrew as an Official Language
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) acknowledges Hebrew as an official language.
October
UN Security Council Resolution 338
Following the Yom Kippur War, the UN adopts Resolution 338, calling for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirming Resolution 242 as the basis for negotiations.
September
Yosef Tekoah Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Yosef Tekoah (1968–1975) serves during a period of heightened tensions, including the Yom Kippur War.
December
Gideon Rafael Becomes Israel’s UN Ambassador
Gideon Rafael (1967–1968) takes over as Israel’s ambassador to the UN, representing the country during post-war negotiations.
November
UN Security Council Resolution 242
The UN adopts Resolution 242, recognizing Israel’s right to secure and recognized borders while promoting a peace framework through negotiations. Despite ongoing political bias at the UN, Israel has consistently supported this resolution as a basis for lasting peace.
March
Ambassador Abba Eban Elected Vice President of the UN General Assembly
Israel’s former Ambassador Abba Eban is elected as one of the vice presidents of the UNGA, strengthening Israel’s diplomatic presence.
January
Michael Comay Appointed as Israel’s UN Ambassador
Michael Comay (1959–1967) replaces Abba Eban as Israel’s ambassador, representing the country during the Six-Day War period.
Abba Eban Becomes Israel’s First Ambassador to the UN
Abba Eban (1949–1959) is appointed as Israel’s first representative to the United Nations, playing a key role in shaping Israel’s early diplomatic relations.
Israel Joins the UN
Israel is officially admitted as the 59th member of the United Nations by General Assembly Resolution 273 on May 11, following Security Council Resolution 69. The vote was 37 in favor, 12 against, with 9 abstentions.