A tense exchange erupted at the United Nations between Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, and Vanessa Frazier, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. The confrontation occurred during a meeting marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, fueled by a report that included Israeli entities on a blacklist for alleged sexual violence.
Danon accused Frazier of succumbing to pressure and contributing to what he called the UN Secretary-General's "obsession with targeting Israel." The verbal clash escalated as Danon and Frazier spoke over each other, with Danon repeatedly stating, "You will be quiet, because I'm speaking now!"
The UN Secretary-General's office had listed the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Prison Services, and the country's border police Counter Terrorism Unit in the annex of its annual Conflict-Related Sexual Violence report. This inclusion followed UN Secretary-General António Guterres' characterization of these entities as "a party credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other sexual violence."
Danon had previously condemned the decision, announcing a freeze on relations between Israel and Guterres' office. His office characterized the placement as a "moral disgrace" and noted that Israel was listed alongside organizations such as Hamas, ISIS, and Boko Haram.
During the meeting, Danon also called for the resignation of Pramila Patten, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. When Frazier appeared to attempt a defense of Patten, Danon rebuffed her, pointing out that Patten was not present and accusing Frazier of being part of "shameful behavior" and a "shameful campaign."
Danon argued that Israel had cooperated with the UN and that the organization had not independently reviewed evidence or provided Israel with a fair opportunity to respond to allegations. He contended that Patten's actions lent credibility to a politically motivated campaign against Israel.
"You knew Israel had cooperated. You knew you had not reviewed the evidence yourself. Yet you chose to stand behind this falsehood. You should have said no. You should have resigned. You tried to stain Israel’s name. But the stain is not on Israel. The stain is on you," Danon stated.
Danon's office informed Fox News Digital that it plans to file a formal complaint with the UN regarding Frazier's interruptions during the meeting.