NEW YORK (USA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, engaged in a heated exchange with Maltese UN official Vanessa Frazier during a UN meeting on Friday, repeatedly telling her to “be quiet” and “get out”.
The confrontation occurred during the 12th commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, an event not specifically focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Tensions rose after Danon criticised a 2026 UN report on conflict-related sexual violence, which he said had unfairly placed Israel on a UN “blacklist”. He described the decision as politically motivated and a “moral disgrace”.
The report documented verified allegations of sexual violence committed by Israeli troops, including rape, gang rape and other abuses. It also noted claims of sexual violence against six Israeli hostages held by Hamas, although the UN said it could not verify those allegations because investigators had been denied access.
Danon rejected the report’s findings and accused UN Special Representative Pramila Patten and Secretary-General António Guterres of unfairly targeting Israel. He said Patten had ignored invitations to visit Israel and independently assess the claims.
Frazier intervened with a point of order, urging the ambassador not to make the issue personal.
Danon then turned his criticism towards Frazier, telling her she was “part of the bullying of Israel” and ordering her to remain silent.
Frazier reiterated that there should be “no personal attacks”, but Danon again told her to “be quiet”, saying Israel would not allow itself to be bullied.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
