Shouting Match at UN: Israeli Envoy, Official Clash Over Child Protection Reports
A rare diplomatic outburst unfolded at the United Nations in New York on Friday as Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon publicly clashed with UN officials during a hearing marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Danon demanded the resignation of Pramila Patten, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for children and armed conflict, accusing her of bias. Her recent report blacklisted Israel for the first time over alleged abuses against children. “You caved to the secretary-general’s obsession with targeting Israel,” Danon declared, referencing UN chief António Guterres.
Heated Exchange Over Evidence, Accountability
Vanessa Frazier, another UN official and compiler of a separate report, interrupted Danon, shouting a point of order. She insisted he avoid “personal attacks” and cited “verified evidence” supporting the findings. Danon retorted, “We are a member state, and you work for the UN. You will be quiet now. You and your shameful report.”
Frazier’s report, released this week, warned that Israeli settler groups could join the global blacklist for violations against children. Guterres had earlier expressed alarm at a “staggering” rise in such violations against Palestinian children. Both reports also blacklist Hamas, Israel’s arch enemy.
Israel’s foreign ministry previously vowed to sever ties with Guterres, who leaves office at year-end, after Patten’s report was published last month.
