UN opens proceedings against UNICEF Washington office head over Israel espionage claims

WASHINGTON, United States — The United Nations has launched proceedings against a senior UNICEF employee over allegations that he conducted espionage for Israel while previously serving within the UN system, the UN deputy spokesperson said. Farhan Haq told reporters that if the allegations are confirmed, the conduct would be incompatible with UN staff regulations and the standards of the international civil service. Haq stressed that UN personnel carry out duties of an international character and are required to uphold independence and impartiality. The official identified is Yahav Leischner, who heads UNICEF's Washington office. He has been removed from his managerial duties pending the inquiry. Leischner is alleged to have passed confidential information to Israeli officials while working at the United Nations Population Fund. The allegations surfaced after the news site Drop Site published a report based on emails leaked by a group calling itself "Handala." The leaked correspondence is said to date from 2014 and 2015. No further details on the proceedings were immediately available.