Israel Bars U.N. Chief over Condemnation Spat

Israel's foreign minister announced a ban on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres entering the country due to perceived inadequate condemnation of Iran's missile attack. Guterres had issued a general statement on escalating Middle East conflicts. The U.N. criticized Israel's move, which was deemed political and counterproductive by the U.S.

Israel's foreign minister declared Wednesday that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is barred from entering the country, citing Guterres' failure to unequivocally condemn Iran's recent missile attack on Israel.

Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. While many missiles were intercepted, some breached defenses. Guterres issued a brief statement condemning the escalation of Middle East conflicts but did not single out Iran. This prompted Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz to label Guterres persona non grata.

Katz stated, "Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran's heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil." The U.N. has criticized the move, calling it political. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that the U.N. does not recognize the concept of persona non grata against its staff. The U.S. also deemed the action counterproductive for Israel's global standing.