Ethiopia’s UN Vote on Israeli Settlement Sparks Criticism & Confusion at Home

Ethiopia’s split voting at the United Nations Human Rights Council has triggered domestic backlash, exposing tensions between its historic pro-Palestinian stance and evolving strategic alignments.

At the UNHRC 61st session, Ethiopia voted “No” on resolution A/HRC/61/L.36 condemning Israeli settlements, joining only 2 other countries - the Czech Republic and North Macedonia - against 34 in favor and 10 abstentions.

At the same session, Addis Ababa backed resolution A/HRC/61/L.37 affirming Palestinian self-determination, causing further confusion. The divergence has drawn scrutiny, particularly as most African states supported the settlements resolution.

The vote sparked criticism among Ethiopians, many questioning a perceived break from the country’s anti-colonial legacy and support for anti-apartheid struggle.

Social media reactions also highlighted confusion over aligning with Israel “at a time the whole world is condemning Israel,” while others demanded official clarification.

Critics framed the move as inconsistent with Ethiopia’s historic identity as a symbol of resistance to colonial domination in Africa and elsewhere, and its historic support to Nelson Mandela in his struggle against Apartheid.

Some believe Ethiopia’s voting record on Palestine-related resolutions shows pattern. In December 2017, Ethiopia voted in favor of rejecting the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. By May 2021, it abstained during an emergency UNGA session on Gaza.

In December 2022, it supported Palestinian self-determination but abstained on an International Court of Justice request on Israel’s occupation.

In September 2025, it again abstained on the New York Accord, which passed 142–10 with 12 abstentions.

Some argue this pattern reflects a dual-track strategy of backing Palestinian statehood while avoiding positions that could strain ties with Israel and Western partners, which critics say is a compromise too costly for Ethiopia’s status in African socio politics.

Officials frame the approach as balancing ties. Ethiopia maintains security and technology cooperation with Israel while relying on Western aid and investment, particularly from the United States.

At the same time, as host of the African Union, it remains tied to continental support for Palestinian statehood.

Speculation in Ethiopian political circles has pointed to possible Gulf influence, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, in shaping Addis Ababa’s deviance from its historic diplomatic stance.

The UAE has become a key economic and security partner, and its deepening ties with Israel have shaped popular belief that Ethiopia’s UN voting may reflect alignment within this emerging regional axis.

This debate has been amplified by a recent Al Jazeera report that raised questions over whether Ethiopia could be part of a so-called “Hexagon” alliance - an informal network allegedly linking Israel with select states across the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.

While unconfirmed, the framework is described as focusing on security coordination and strategic positioning in a contested region. Within this context, Ethiopia’s vote is seen by some observers as part of a broader recalibration rather than an isolated shift.

At the same time, officials continue to signal support for a two-state solution, suggesting Addis Ababa is attempting to balance new partnerships without fully abandoning its traditional diplomatic posture.