Israeli Ambassador Clashes with UN Representatives over Blacklist Accusation

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Danny Danon, publicly confronted Vanessa Frazier, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, during a UN meeting. The heated exchange occurred over Israel being placed on a blacklist associated with sexual violence. The meeting marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The controversy began after a report, which Frazier contributed to, categorized Israel among entities suspected of sexual violence. Danon accused Frazier of yielding to pressure and contributing to an unjust focus on Israel, which led to a tense argument.

You caved to the pressure and the Secretary General’s obsession with targeting Israel, Danon asserted before Frazier tried to respond.

Danon’s frustration was evident as he demanded to speak uninterrupted, accusing Frazier of being part of a campaign against Israel. He expressed anger over the listing of Israeli entities like the Israel Defense Forces and other groups in the UN’s annual Conflict-Related Sexual Violence report, following allegations from Secretary-General António Guterres.

The report was denounced by Danon, who froze relations between Israel and Guterres’ office, labeling the inclusion of Israel as a disgrace. Israel found itself on a list alongside organizations like Hamas and Boko Haram, which Danon described as ethically condemnable.

The Ambassador further criticized the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, who was absent from the meeting, demanding her resignation. He lambasted Frazier’s efforts to defend Patten, accusing them of contributing to a politically driven campaign against Israel. Danon emphasized Israel’s cooperation with the UN and challenged the organization for not reviewing evidence independently.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Danon implored why Patten did not verify the facts and questioned her responsibilities. He asserted that Israel’s reputation was unfairly tarnished, holding Frazier accountable for relying on unverified claims.

Danon’s office indicated it would formally complain to the UN over the interruptions he faced during the meeting. Attempts to reach spokespeople for Patten and Frazier for comments were unsuccessful.