Israel has today accused the UN of undiplomatic conduct for leaking a letter from Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan to Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon.
It accuses Israel of failing to protect Palestinian civilians.
Israel's response matched Mr Annan's angry letter and left the state's relations with the UN battered at a time that the world body is working with the US to get the peace process back on track.
"If the United Nations wishes to contribute positively to the quest for peace in the Middle East, it must endeavour to gain the trust of both sides," Israel's UN Mission said.
"The conduct of UN officials in this respect will not enhance the spirit of trust and goodwill between Israel and the United Nations."
In Mr Annan's letter, the secretary-general accused Israel of using excessive force which had led to the death or injury of "hundreds of innocent non-combatant civilians - men, women and children" - and destroyed or damaged many buildings and homes.
He urged Mr Sharon to ensure that Israel's Defence Force "uses only weapons and methods that minimise the danger to the lives and property of Palestinian civilians".
He also urged Israel to observe international humanitarian law and the rules protecting civilians in armed conflict which means Israel should respect hospitals, schools, the Red Crescent emblem and "proportionality in the means and methods of warfare".
Israel's UN Mission called the leaking of the letter "most inappropriate and contrary to basic diplomatic conduct".
It said it was "regrettable" that Mr Annan failed to condemn the "deliberate campaign of Palestinian terrorism" that for the past 18 months has targeted Israeli civilians.
PA