US knocks Israel over decision to ban UN chief
TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference at the Japan National Press Club on August 8, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. Guterres was in Japan to attend a commemorative event marking the 77th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. (Photo by Franck Robichon - Pool/Getty Images)
The US State Department has criticized Israel’s decision to ban UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering the country, saying such a move is “not productive.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister took issue with Guterres’ initial response to Iran’s missile attack on Israel.
Guterres had issued a statement condemning the “broadening of the Middle East conflict” but failed to specifically condemn Iran’s actions, according to Israel’s Foreign Minister. However, at a UN Security Council meeting, Guterres clarified his stance, saying he “strongly condemns” the Iranian attack.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concerns about Israel’s decision, stating, “Steps like these are not productive to [Israel] improving its standing in the world.”
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Miller highlighted the crucial role the UN plays in the region, particularly in Gaza, emphasizing that the organization can contribute significantly to security and stability when functioning effectively.
“The UN does incredibly important work in Gaza. It does incredibly important work in the region. And the UN, when it’s acting at its best, can play an important role for security and stability,” he added.
