Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has officially declared a ban that prevents Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), from entering Israel. This decision marks a significant development in the already strained relations between Israel and international organizations, highlighting the ongoing discord between Israel and Iran.[/p>
The Israeli government’s dissatisfaction stems from the UN’s perceived failure to unequivocally condemn Iran for a recent attack on Israel. According to Israeli officials, the missile strike launched by Iran was a deliberate and criminal act of aggression against the country, and the lack of strong condemnation from the United Nations, particularly from its Secretary-General, has sparked outrage among Israeli leaders.[/p>
In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday, Katz referred to Guterres as an “undesirable personality” in Israel. Katz added, “I decided today to declare U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres an undesirable personality in Israel and to ban his entry into Israel.” He further explained that Guterres had failed to “unequivocally condemn Iran’s criminal attack on Israel” and, as a result, “does not deserve to set foot on Israel’s soil.”
Iran has justified its missile attacks as retaliation for the targeted killings of key figures in the region, including Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah; Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas; and Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior commander within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These individuals were killed in Israeli airstrikes, exacerbating tensions in the region and pushing the Middle East closer to a potential multi-front crisis.
Following the missile strikes, Guterres issued a statement in which he condemned the escalation of violence in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire. “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” the UN chief stated, expressing concern over the intensifying conflict and its broader regional implications.
However, Katz accused Guterres of indirectly supporting the actions of militant groups in the region, stating, “Guterres has given support to the terrorists, rapists, and murderers of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and now to the mother ship of global terrorism, Iran.” He further asserted, “Israel will continue to protect its citizens and maintain its status and national honor with or without Antonio Guterres.”
Banning the UN Secretary-General from entering the country is a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and the United Nations. This action follows a pattern of recent bans on UN officials, including Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for Palestinians, and the chief of the UN humanitarian office in occupied Palestinian territory. Additionally, Israel has challenged the credibility and impartiality of the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees.
While Katz has made his position clear, there is some uncertainty regarding whether the foreign minister holds the authority to implement such a ban. In many countries, the power to ban individuals from entering lies with the interior minister, raising questions about the legal standing of this decision within Israel’s governmental framework.