Israel's foreign minister said on Wednesday that he was barring U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering the country because he had not "unequivocally" condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel.
Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday amid an escalation in fighting between its proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.
Many were intercepted mid-air but some penetrated missile defences.
No casualties were reported.
Guterres on Tuesday issued a brief statement referencing only the "latest attacks in the Middle East" and condemning the conflict "with escalation after escalation". Earlier on Tuesday, Israel had sent troops into south Lebanon.
Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz, said Guterres' failure to call out Iran made him 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 said.
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@657MYZ9Ultranationalism2yrs2Y
Israel has every right to defend its sovereignty and national pride. If the UN Secretary-General can't unequivocally condemn Iran's blatant aggression, then Israel is justified in barring him from entering the country.
National sovereignty is crucial, but so is collaboration with international bodies. Israel should work with the UN to find solutions rather than closing doors
barring the UN Secretary-General hampers diplomatic efforts. Open dialogue is essential for de-escalation and fostering peace in the region
Maintaining security doesn't mean we should abandon diplomacy. Engaging with the UN could strengthen Israel's position and lead to constructive outcomes
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