Israel Bans UN Secretary-General from Entering Country

Israel has banned United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres from entering the country, citing his failure to condemn Iran’s recent missile attacks on Israeli targets. The announcement was made by Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

Katz declared Guterres an “undesirable personality” and criticized him for not condemning what he referred to as Iran’s “criminal attack” on Israel. He accused the UN chief of remaining silent on Iran’s missile strikes, which Iran claims were in retaliation for the assassination of key Hezbollah, Hamas, and IRGC figures in recent Israeli airstrikes.

In response to the escalating violence, Guterres had called for a ceasefire, saying, “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.” However, his comments were perceived in Israel as insufficiently critical of Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah and Hamas.

Katz stated, “Israel will continue to protect its citizens and maintain its status and national honour with or without António Guterres,” while also accusing the UN chief of aligning with terrorist organizations.

This move marks the latest in a series of diplomatic confrontations between Israel and the UN. Several UN officials, including Francesca Albanese, a special rapporteur for Palestinians, have been barred from entering Israel in recent months, reflecting growing tensions between the two parties.

It is unclear if Katz has the legal authority to enforce this ban, as such decisions typically fall under the jurisdiction of Israel’s interior ministry.