Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been barred from entering Israel, a sharp diplomatic move triggered by Guterres’ failure to “unequivocally” condemn Iran’s missile attack on the country. The missile strike, launched by Tehran on Tuesday amid an escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, has inflamed tensions across the region, drawing widespread international concern.
In a statement, Katz said Guterres’ response, which denounced the growing conflict but fell short of singling out Iran, was unacceptable. “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel, as nearly all the countries of the world have done, does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil,” Katz declared. He further emphasised that Israel would continue to defend itself “with or without Antonio Guterres.”
The missile barrage from Iran, one of the largest in its history, comes as fighting between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters rages in southern Lebanon. Israeli military reports confirmed the deaths of eight soldiers in Wednesday’s ground combat, underscoring the deadly stakes in the rapidly escalating situation.
Guterres, in his initial statement, condemned the “broadening” of the conflict, expressing alarm at the escalation but refrained from directly addressing Iran’s involvement. Later, speaking during a UN Security Council meeting, he clarified his stance: “I again strongly condemn yesterday’s massive missile attack by Iran on Israel.” However, the clarification came too late to avert Israel’s decision to declare him persona non grata.
US officials have also weighed in, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller describing Israel’s move as “unproductive.” He stressed the critical role the UN plays in maintaining stability in the region, particularly in Gaza, where humanitarian efforts are under immense strain.
The United Nations, through spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, dismissed Israel’s decision as political, stating that the organisation does not recognise the concept of persona non grata as applying to UN staff. He framed the Israeli government’s stance as part of a broader series of “attacks” on the UN’s presence in the region.
The crisis has triggered widespread international alarm, with world leaders urging restraint from both sides. In a call with G7 leaders, US President Joe Biden strongly condemned Iran’s actions and signalled potential new sanctions. Russia’s Kremlin and China echoed the need for diplomacy, while Pope Francis called for a day of prayer for peace.
Meanwhile, Israel has vowed further retaliation, with military officials promising consequences for the Iranian strikes. “This attack will have consequences,” said Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. “We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide.”
With tensions in the region spiralling out of control, the call for restraint has grown louder, but whether the conflict can be contained remains far from clear.