The United Nations Security Council expressed its full support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, cautioning Israel of potential “negative consequences” should it undermine his efforts.
The statement from the UN’s highest body was issued late Thursday in response to remarks made by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who accused Guterres of being hostile to Israel’s actions.
In their press release, Security Council members reaffirmed their unwavering support for Guterres and the essential role he and the United Nations play.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining productive and effective relationships between all member states and the Secretary-General, urging countries to refrain from actions that could weaken his office and work.
The Security Council also stressed that any decision to disengage with the Secretary-General or the United Nations would be counterproductive, particularly amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Israeli Foreign Minister Katz, in a statement released Wednesday, said, “Anyone who cannot condemn the heinous Iranian attack on Israel does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil. This is a Secretary-General who is hostile to Israel,” according to Agence France-Presse.
