Israel Declares UN Secretary-General Guterres 'Persona Non Grata' Over Anti-Israel Allegations
In a significant diplomatic move, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has officially declared UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres 'persona non grata' in Israel, effectively banning him from entering the country. This decision follows Guterres' perceived failure to unequivocally condemn the recent Iranian missile attacks on Israeli territory. Katz's remarks highlight a growing rift between Israel and the United Nations, particularly regarding the UN's stance on Israel's security concerns. Katz stated, "Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran's criminal attack on Israel is not fit to set foot on Israeli soil."
The tensions escalated after Iran launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, resulting in human casualties and significant material damage. Millions of Israelis were forced to seek shelter as sirens sounded across the nation. Katz criticized Guterres for not naming Iran in his comments and for what he described as a continuation of an anti-Israel policy throughout the ongoing conflict. He further accused Guterres of supporting terrorists, declaring that the Secretary-General's actions would be remembered as a "stain on the history of the United Nations."
Katz's statement underscores Israel's commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining its national dignity, regardless of Guterres' position. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that Guterres' comments were inadequate in addressing the aggression from Iran and its affiliates, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
