General facts

Israel’s Position and General Facts on Key ECOSOC Topics

1. Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery Plans (Inclusivity and Sustainability)

General Facts:

• Israel is a global leader in innovation, especially in water conservation, clean energy, and advanced healthcare technologies, making it a valuable partner in promoting sustainable recovery plans.

• Domestically, Israel faces disparities, with marginalized groups like the Arab-Israeli population and the ultra-Orthodox community experiencing higher unemployment and poverty rates, which complicates inclusive recovery efforts.

• Recent tensions in Gaza and the West Bank have led to accusations that Israel’s policies limit Palestinian economic growth, impacting its ability to champion inclusivity in international discussions.

• Despite challenges, Israel actively contributes to global initiatives, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on green technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity as tools for recovery.

Position:

Israel supports sustainable and inclusive economic recovery plans post-pandemic, leveraging its technology sector to aid global development. However, criticism of its policies in Palestinian

territories remains a significant obstacle in gaining broader international support.

Allies:

• United States: Israel’s strongest ally, promoting its technological contributions and defending its policies in international forums.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): A key partner under the Abraham Accords, collaborating on green technology and innovation for sustainable development.

• Morocco: Works with Israel on economic recovery projects under normalization agreements, particularly in agriculture and clean energy.

• Sudan: Collaborates with Israel on economic reforms and development initiatives as part of normalization agreements.

• Russia: Supports Israel’s technological expertise and often collaborates in energy and innovation sectors despite occasional political disagreements.

• Canada: Strongly supports Israel’s role in international economic recovery efforts and often aligns with it on global platforms.

• India: Views Israel as a strategic partner in innovation and sustainable development, collaborating on agricultural technology and water management projects.

• Italy: Partners with Israel on sustainability and innovation programs, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors.

Opposition:

• European Union (EU): Criticizes Israel for policies in Palestinian territories, accusing it of undermining inclusive economic development in the region.

• Iran: Frames Israel’s recovery efforts as exclusionary and politically motivated, using its influence to oppose Israel’s role in international initiatives.

• Turkey: Frequently condemns Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank, accusing it of obstructing regional economic recovery.

• Egypt: While diplomatically engaged, Egypt aligns with regional opposition to Israeli policies affecting Palestinian economic rights.

• Syria: Opposes Israeli initiatives, linking them to broader accusations of occupation and regional destabilization.

• Yemen: Aligns with Iran in rejecting Israeli efforts, accusing it of exacerbating inequality and neglecting Palestinian communities.

• Cuba: Opposes Israeli economic policies as exclusionary and contrary to socialist principles.

• Mali: Criticizes Israel’s recovery efforts, expressing solidarity with Palestinian economic struggles.

• Maldives: Opposes Israeli policies, particularly in the context of Palestinian economic development.

1. Global Access to Education and Healthcare in Conflict Zones

General Facts:

• Israel is globally recognized for its expertise in healthcare innovation, including telemedicine, emergency medical response, and advanced mobile healthcare technologies.

• Israel has provided humanitarian aid to conflict zones worldwide, including field hospitals in disaster-stricken regions.

• However, its policies in Gaza and the West Bank have led to accusations that Israel restricts Palestinian access to education and healthcare, particularly following escalations in violence.

• In 2024, tensions in Gaza heightened scrutiny on Israel’s handling of essential services, with international organizations calling for greater access to aid in Palestinian territories.

Position:

Israel advocates for global efforts to improve healthcare and education access in conflict zones, emphasizing technology and innovation. However, criticism of its policies in Palestinian territories has led to significant opposition, overshadowing its contributions.

Allies:

• United States: Defends Israel’s contributions to global healthcare and education, emphasizing its innovative solutions and humanitarian efforts.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Collaborates with Israel on technology-driven solutions for healthcare and education, particularly in underserved areas.

• Morocco: Partners with Israel on improving access to education and healthcare through joint development programs.

• Sudan: Benefits from Israeli healthcare expertise and education initiatives as part of normalization efforts.

• Russia: Supports Israel’s role in providing healthcare and educational solutions in conflict zones.

• Canada: Strongly supports Israel’s healthcare and education initiatives, aligning with its broader stance on humanitarian aid.

• India: Views Israel as a valuable partner in healthcare and education technology, collaborating on projects to improve access in rural and conflict-affected areas.

• United Kingdom (UK): Actively supports Israel’s humanitarian healthcare and education initiatives globally, particularly in conflict zones.

• Italy: Supports Israeli initiatives to improve healthcare access in conflict regions and aligns with it in international forums.

Opposition:

• European Union (EU): Criticizes Israel for limiting Palestinian access to healthcare and education, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.

• Iran: Strongly opposes Israeli initiatives, accusing it of undermining Palestinian rights to healthcare and education.

• Turkey: Condemns Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, accusing it of perpetuating humanitarian crises.

• Egypt: Often aligns with opposition regarding Palestinian access to essential services, despite maintaining diplomatic ties.

• Syria: Rejects Israeli efforts, accusing it of contributing to regional instability and neglecting Palestinian rights.

• Yemen: Opposes Israeli actions, aligning with Iran in accusing it of prioritizing politics over humanitarian needs.

• Cuba: Frames Israeli healthcare and education policies as politically motivated and exclusionary.

• Mali: Opposes Israeli efforts, citing solidarity with Palestinian struggles.

• Maldives: Frequently aligns with Palestinian advocacy in opposing Israeli initiatives.

1.  Achieving Gender Equality Without Marginalizing Men and Boys

General Facts:

• Israel has made significant strides in gender equality, with women holding leadership roles in politics, business, and the military.

• However, disparities persist, particularly among Arab and ultra-Orthodox communities, where traditional gender norms remain prevalent.

• Israel has faced international criticism for the treatment of Palestinian women, with opponents accusing it of systemic discrimination in occupied territories.

• Israel actively promotes gender equality on a global scale, participating in UN Women initiatives and emphasizing inclusivity in its policies.

Position:

Israel strongly supports gender equality initiatives, emphasizing inclusivity and mutual respect. Domestically, it promotes progressive policies, while internationally, it advocates for women’s empowerment through education and technology.

Allies:

• United States: Highlights Israel’s advancements in gender equality as a model for other nations.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Collaborates with Israel on programs promoting women’s inclusion in education and the workforce.

• Morocco: Partners with Israel to foster gender equality through cultural and educational exchanges.

• Sudan: Engages with Israel on initiatives to improve gender equality under normalization agreements.

• Russia: Supports Israel’s role in advancing gender dialogue and inclusivity globally.

• Canada: Strongly backs Israel’s efforts in gender equality, viewing it as a partner in promoting progressive policies.

• India: Works with Israel to promote gender equality, particularly in education and technology sectors.

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  ted Kingdom (UK): Actively supports Israel’s gender equality initiatives and frequently collaborates on women’s empowerment programs.

• Italy: Supports Israel’s approach to gender equality, often partnering on educational and workplace inclusion programs.

Opposition:

• European Union (EU): Criticizes Israel’s gender equality initiatives, citing its treatment of Palestinian women and broader gender disparities in occupied territories.

• Iran: Frames Israeli efforts as incompatible with cultural and regional values, often opposing its initiatives.

• Turkey: Condemns Israeli policies in Palestinian territories, accusing it of perpetuating systemic discrimination.

• Egypt: Often aligns with opposition on Palestinian gender rights, despite diplomatic neutrality on broader gender equality.

• Syria: Rejects Israeli gender equality initiatives, linking them to broader accusations of systemic discrimination.

• Yemen: Opposes Israeli actions, citing solidarity with Palestinians.

• Cuba: Frames Israeli gender policies as exclusionary and politically motivated.

• Mali: Opposes Israel’s efforts, aligning with other critics on Palestinian advocacy.

• Maldives: Frequently cites Palestinian rights when opposing Israeli initiatives.