UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sought to reassure international Jewish community leaders that he would stand up against any perceptions of anti-Israel bias at the world organization.<br/><br/>Guterres spoke yesterday amid a deepening row over alleged bias within the UN following US pressure, exacerbated last month when a UN rights expert issued a blistering criticism of Israel's policies. Guterres said he would guarantee that those working under him would abide by principles that he considers right.<br/>'<br/>Former UN official and Jordanian national Rima Khalaf last month said Guterres asked her to withdraw a report in which she accused Israel of being an apartheid state and subsequently resigned. It was the first time that a UN Secretary General has addressed an international gathering of Jewish leaders.<br/>'<br/>Israel last month announced a USD 2 million cut in its contribution to the UN budget because of constant criticism by the UN Human Rights Council of its policies towards the Palestinians. Israel had already cut 6 million dollars from its USD 11.7 million contribution after a Security Council resolution passed in December condemned Israel's settlement building in the occupied West Bank.<br/>'<br/>Today, UN Security Council Ambassadors are scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump and US lawmakers for talks likely to include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and US cuts to UN funding.