UN Ambassador Danon’s Outburst at UN Meeting

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed his anger towards Vanessa Frazier, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, during a heated exchange concerning Frazier’s involvement in placing Israel on a sexual violence blacklist.

This confrontation occurred at a United Nations gathering aimed at recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, amid reports that Frazier’s author was instrumental in adding Israel to the said list.

“You gave in to pressure, yielded to the Secretary General’s focus on targeting Israel,” Danon asserted, before being interrupted by Frazier.

“Excuse me, I’m speaking!” Danon countered. The tension in the room was palpable as he continued to express his frustration.

Controversial UN Report on Children in Conflict Zones

Danon emphatically criticized the UN’s decision, which included Israeli organizations in its annual report on conflict-related sexual violence. This report singled out the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Prison Service, and the Border Police Counterterrorism Unit, labeling them as “entities suspected of committing patterns of sexual violence.”

Previously, Danon had condemned the UN’s actions and declared a halt to relations with the Secretary-General’s office.

Netanyahu’s Critique of the UN Council

In a statement from his office, Danon condemned the blacklist decision, labeling it a “stain” on Israel’s reputation and placing Israel alongside groups like Hamas and ISIS. He expressed concern over how this would negatively impact the Secretary-General’s legacy.

Demand for Resignation

During the meeting, Danon also called for the resignation of UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten. He dismissed Frazier’s defense of Patten, emphasizing her absence from their discussion.

“Ms. Patten was invited here, but she chose not to be,” he exclaimed, continuing to express his displeasure at the meeting’s proceedings.

UN Report Sparks Backlash

Danon maintained that Israel had been cooperative with the UN. However, he assertively argued that the organization did not diligently investigate the claims or afford Israel a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations. He accused Patten of aiding a politically driven agenda targeting Israel.

“If Ms. Patten isn’t responsible for verifying the facts, then what is her role?” he questioned, driving home his point that the onus should have been on Patten to ensure accuracy. Danon concluded that the real stain belonged not to Israel but to the individuals pursuing these claims.

Additionally, Danon’s office intends to file a formal complaint regarding Frazier’s involvement during the meeting, continuing the heated exchange around this contentious issue.

Efforts to reach spokespeople for Patten and Frazier for comment have yet to yield any response.