Israel Declares UN Chief Persona Non Grata

Israel has barred UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering the country, declaring him *persona non grata* on Wednesday.

The move, announced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, comes after Guterres’ perceived failure to unequivocally condemn Iran’s missile attack on Israel. Katz expressed strong disapproval of Guterres’ stance, stating that anyone who doesn’t firmly denounce Iran’s aggression should not be welcome in Israel. The ban deepens tensions between Israel and the UN amid increasing regional instability and ongoing missile exchanges between Iran and Israel.

This diplomatic rift follows international outrage over the missile strikes, which have prompted global leaders to call for a cessation of hostilities. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks and urged Iran and Hezbollah to halt their aggression immediately. Israel’s ban on Guterres reflects its growing frustrations with perceived inaction from the UN and highlights the increasing complexities in resolving tensions in the Middle East.

Iran’s recent missile attack, which targeted Israeli military positions, has worsened the situation. The strike represents a significant escalation, with Israel launching retaliatory operations and expanding evacuations in southern Lebanon. The conflict is intensifying, putting the broader Middle East at risk of further destabilization.

Israel’s decision to label Guterres unwelcome underscores the increasing diplomatic isolation faced by those perceived as neutral or insufficiently supportive amid the current crisis.