The Biden-era approach to diplomacy has shifted dramatically. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is imposing sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestinian rights. This marks a significant hardening in U.S. policy.
Rubio stated firmly on X, “Albanese’s campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel will no longer be tolerated.” He emphasized that the U.S. will always support its allies’ right to defend themselves.
Albanese has repeatedly targeted U.S. and Israeli officials. She has called for their prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC), drawing widespread criticism. Since her appointment in 2022, she has accused Israel of apartheid. Additionally, she downplayed a Hamas violence incident, calling it “not surprising.” In her July 2025 report to the UN Human Rights Council, Albanese even claimed the U.S. might be liable for an “international crime of aggression” for former President Trump’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Her attacks extend beyond governments. Albanese also targeted American companies that supply defense technology to Israel. She suggested they should face legal consequences for “aiding and abetting” alleged crimes. Moreover, a 2022 post, which she later deleted, questioned whether “the Jewish lobby” controlled U.S. foreign policy. She retracted the comment amid allegations of antisemitism.
Anne Bayefsky, president of Human Rights Voices, praised the sanctions. Moreover, she said, “The State Department deserves credit for acting against Albanese’s virulent antisemitism and attacks on the U.S. and Israel.” In addition, Bayefsky highlighted that Albanese poses a direct threat to American security. Furthermore, she called for stronger enforcement of President Trump’s Executive Order addressing international actors who target U.S. and Israeli soldiers in the ICC.
Meanwhile, Israeli leaders quickly supported Rubio’s decision. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar posted, “A clear message. Time for the UN to pay attention!” Similarly, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the Jerusalem Post that Albanese consistently undermines the UN’s credibility by spreading false narratives. “We will not stay silent,” he added.
Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, also applauded the move. He called it a “bold and courageous” decision. Neuer pointed out that no UN official has ever faced sanctions like these before. He added that Albanese was condemned by multiple countries for Holocaust distortion and antisemitism. Neuer concluded, “She will no longer spread her poison on American campuses or enter the country. Justice is served.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the UN for a comment on the sanctions on Francesca Albanese but did not receive an immediate response.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
