Why has Israel barred UN Secretary General to step on its soil?

Israel-Iran War: "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.

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Mayank Kasyap
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Benjamin Netanyahu (Flickr)

Israel-Iran War: In a bold move, Israel's Foreign Minister announced on Wednesday (October 2, 2024) that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is now barred from entering the country. The decision came after Guterres failed to "unequivocally" condemn Iran's missile attack on Israel, which escalated tensions in the Middle East.

Iran’s missile barrage on Israel

On Tuesday (October 1, 2024), Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon. While many missiles were intercepted mid-air, some managed to penetrate Israel's defense systems. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Airlines in the Gulf adjust routes

As a precaution, several Gulf airlines have adjusted their flight paths following the attack, avoiding areas of heightened military activity.

Guterres’ controversial statement

In response to the escalating violence, Guterres released a brief statement on Tuesday, referencing only the "latest attacks in the Middle East" and broadly condemning the cycle of violence without directly naming Iran. This neutral stance came as Israeli troops were deployed into southern Lebanon, further fueling regional tensions.

Israel’s strong reaction

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Guterres for his failure to specifically condemn Iran's missile strikes. Katz stated that such an omission rendered Guterres persona non grata in Israel.

"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, emphasizing Israel's commitment to defending its citizens.

Katz further stressed, "Israel will continue to defend its citizens and uphold its national dignity, with or without Antonio Guterres."