Senator James Risch (R-ID) and Representative Brian Mast (R-FL), chairmen of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee respectively, have criticized the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for its “disproportionate” focus on Israel. They condemned the UNHRC’s agenda items that scrutinize Israel’s actions in the Golan Heights and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The lawmakers argue that such focus undermines the credibility of the UNHRC and diverts attention from other global human rights issues.
This criticism aligns with previous actions by U.S. officials expressing concern over international bodies’ approaches toward Israel. In January 2025, Chairman Mast introduced legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) for what he described as its “unwarranted targeting of Israel.” He emphasized that the U.S. would respond decisively to perceived biases against its allies.
The UNHRC has faced scrutiny for its treatment of Israel. In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly passed more resolutions critical of Israel than against all other nations combined, prompting concerns about an imbalanced focus on the country.
The potential for U.S. sanctions against the UNHRC reflects ongoing tensions between the United States and international organizations regarding policies toward Israel. These developments highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges in addressing human rights issues impartially on the global stage.
