Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz has declared United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata in Israel, effectively barring him from entering the country. The decision was made in response to what Katz described as Guterres' failure to unequivocally condemn Iran's attack on Israel and his alleged support for terrorist organizations.
Katz stated, 'Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran's heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil.' He accused Guterres of being an anti-Israel UN chief who provides support to terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Iran.
The move comes after a series of statements from Guterres that Katz believes demonstrate a bias against Israel. Katz criticized Guterres for not taking a firm stance on Hamas' actions on October 7, 2023, and for failing to advocate for resolutions designating the group as a terrorist organization.
'Guterres will be remembered as a stain on the history of the UN for generations to come,' Katz added. 'Israel will continue to defend its citizens and uphold its national dignity, with or without António Guterres.'
Guterres has not yet responded to the announcement. Prior to Iran's attack, Guterres had called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent an all-out war in Lebanon, according to a statement from his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
