UN says Israel risks inclusion on a list of countries accused of wartime sexual violence

The United Nations has warned Israel that its military could be added to a global list of forces suspected of committing sexual violence during conflict, citing credible evidence of violations.

In his annual report, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said both Israel and Russia risked joining a roster that includes Myanmar’s military and Sudan’s army. The list identifies parties believed to have carried out acts such as rape during wartime.

“Due to significant concerns regarding patterns of certain forms of sexual violence perpetrated by Israeli armed and security forces and Russian armed and security forces and affiliated armed groups, these parties have been put on notice for potential listing in the next reporting period,” the report said.

The concerns, it added, “relate primarily to violations recorded in detention settings.”

For Israel, the report cites “credible information” that its military and security forces engaged in repeated sexual violence, including “genital violence, prolonged forced nudity and repeated strip searches conducted in an abusive and degrading manner.”