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By Shannon McDonagh
News Reporter
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Israel's foreign minister announced Wednesday that U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has been declared "persona non grata" and barred from entering Israel.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Guterres of bias, citing his failure to condemn Iran's recent attack on Israel.
"Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran's heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil."
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"This is an Israel-hating Secretary-General, who gives support to terrorists," he said.
The decision widens the rift between Israel and the United Nations, amid rising tensions in the region.
Earlier today Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized Western presence in the Middle East, calling it a source of conflict.
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Guterres had previously condemned the escalation of violence between Iran and Israel.
The former Portuguese Prime Minister has taken to social media to call for a ceasefire numerous times.
"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," he said in a statement on Oct. 1, stressing that "neither the region nor the world can afford another war."
"I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East."
However, Israeli officials criticized the lack of a clear denunciation of Iran's role in the attacks, which they view as a critical omission.
Katz's decision follows the growing pressure Israel faces in its northern and southern regions due to increased rocket fire from Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Relations boiled over between the two nations following Mossad's infiltration of thousands of Hezbollah-owned communication devices—namely walkie-talkie's and pagers—and were detonated remotely on Sept. 18 and 19, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 3,000.
The foreign minister expressed frustration that Guterres "lends support to terrorists, rapists, and murderers," specifically naming Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran as the "mothership of global terror."
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Israel's decision to bar Guterres comes amid wider concerns about how international organizations are handling the escalating tensions in the Middle East—an escalation in weaponized diplomacy.
In March 2024, Israel blocked UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini from entering Gaza, citing security concerns and accusing the U.N. of bias in its treatment of Israel and Palestinian militants.
Katz also took to social media to thank U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris for her support of Israel during this time.
The foreign minister has long-standing ties with Israel's Western allies, having served in a number of roles since 2003.
In an earlier post on X, he praised Harris for her unwavering stance in backing Israel's right to defend itself against missile attacks.
"We thank Vice President Kamala Harris for standing with Israel as we face these unprecedented attacks," Katz tweeted.
The Secretary-General is yet to respond.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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