The UN Secretary-General condemned Iran’s missile salvo against Israel shortly after Israel barred him for “not condemning the heinous attack”.
Israel's Foreign Minister said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "persona non grata" and blocked him from entering the country.
Minister Israel Katz criticised Guterres on Wednesday, saying: “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran's heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil."
He added that Guterres was an "Israel-hating Secretary-General" who supports terrorists.
In response to Katz, Guterres announced at the UN Secretary Council in New York that he “strongly” condemned Iran.
He said: “As I did in relation to the Iranian attack in April – and as should have been obvious yesterday in the context of the condemnation I expressed – I again strongly condemn yesterday’s massive missile attack by Iran on Israel.”
This decision further deepens the rift between Israel and the United Nations amid escalating regional tensions.
Earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had denounced the Western presence in the Middle East as a source of conflict.
Guterres has previously condemned the violence between Iran and Israel and has called for a ceasefire multiple times on social media, expressing alarm over the potential for a devastating regional escalation.
However, Israeli officials have voiced dissatisfaction over Guterres' lack of a direct condemnation of Iran’s involvement in the attacks, which they consider a significant oversight.
Katz's announcement follows increased pressure on Israel from Iran-backed Hezbollah in the north and comes on the heels of a deadly incident where Israeli intelligence reportedly triggered devices used by Hezbollah, resulting in numerous casualties.
Katz expressed frustration over what he perceives as Guterres' support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, labelling Iran as the "mothership of global terror".
The decision to bar Guterres also reflects broader concerns about how international organisations are managing the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Katz thanked Prime Minister Kier Starmer on social media for his backing amid these unprecedented attacks.
The JC has approached the Secretary-General for comment.
