Israeli Ambassador Faces Off with UN Official Over Controversial Report
In a heated exchange at the United Nations (U.N.), Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon confronted Vanessa Frazier, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. The clash occurred during a meeting on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, after a report implicated Israel in a blacklist concerning sexual violence.
Danon accused Frazier of bowing to pressure to target Israel, declaring, “You caved to the Secretary General’s obsession.” As their voices rose, Frazier attempted to interject, but Danon insisted, “Wait, I’m speaking now!”
The report, which was co-authored by Frazier, included Israeli military entities among those accused of committing sexual violence. It highlighted organizations like the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Prison Services, citing them as “credibly suspected” of such acts, according to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
Danon had previously denounced the U.N.’s decision to include Israel on this list, claiming it resulted in a suspension of relations with Guterres’ office. His team condemned the move as a significant stain on the U.N.’s reputation, asserting that Israel should not be placed on a list alongside groups such as Hamas and ISIS.
In response to the situation, Danon called for U.N. Special Representative Pramila Patten to resign. He rebuffed Frazier’s attempts to defend Patten by saying it was inappropriate since she was not present at the meeting. Danon insisted, “You will allow me to finish my words,” expressing outrage over what he considered bullying of Israel.
The ambassador emphasized that Israel had cooperated with the U.N. He accused the organization of failing to adequately review the evidence before passing judgment. “If verifying the facts is not Ms. Patten’s responsibility, then what exactly is her responsibility?” he questioned.
Danon’s office stated they would formally file a complaint regarding Frazier’s interruptions during the meeting. Attempts to reach representatives for further comments from Patten and Frazier went unanswered.
