UN official faces criticism for exchange with antisemitic 𝕏 account

A senior United Nations official who has repeatedly clashed with Israeli representatives is facing criticism after publicly engaging with an 𝕏 account that had posted antisemitic content, including an image of an Israeli flag bearing a swastika instead of a Star of David.

Vanessa Frazier, the UN secretary-general’s representative on children and armed conflict, commented on a thread Saturday evening from the account, writing: “I look forward to constructive engagement – together we can eliminate this scourge and do justice to all victims and survivors.”

The exchange quickly drew condemnation from Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, and added to ongoing tensions between Israeli officials and UN representatives over allegations of sexual violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israel’s inclusion on a UN blacklist of countries and organizations accused of committing sexual violence in conflict zones.

“Yesterday she tried to silence me in the UN hall. Today it turns out she is also corresponding with accounts that spread antisemitic content and compare Israel to Nazis. Anyone who shows tolerance for antisemitism cannot present themselves as a defender of human rights. The mask is off,” Danon said.

The criticism came less than 24 hours after a public confrontation between Danon and Frazier during a UN event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

During Danon’s remarks, Frazier attempted to interrupt him, prompting the Israeli ambassador to respond: “You will be quiet because I am speaking now. You spoke, now I am speaking. Shame on you. You are part of the persecution of Israel. Shame on you. You can leave.”

The dispute is the latest chapter in a broader conflict between Israel and UN officials over allegations that Israeli authorities have committed sexual violence against Palestinian detainees.

One allegation that gained widespread attention claimed that Israel was training dogs to rape Palestinian prisoners. Veterinary experts have spoken up to say that this is physiologically impossible, but the story has nonetheless gained considerable traction in both traditional and online media and it has even been repeated by UN officials and elected officials in several countries around the world.

Danon and his team have held several meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other UN officials, as well as representatives of various organizations. According to Israeli officials, evidence refuting the accusations was presented during those meetings, and invitations were extended to UN representatives to visit Israel, inspect detention facilities and interview detainees.

Despite those efforts, Guterres decided to include Israel on the blacklist of countries and organizations accused of using sexual violence in conflict after Hamas was placed on the list. Israeli officials accused Guterres of making a political decision and subsequently cut ties with him.

Earlier this year, Danon also called for the resignation of Pramila Patten, the UN secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict, because of Israel’s inclusion on the blacklist. Patten had been scheduled to visit Israel earlier in 2026, but the trip was later canceled.

Various UN agencies have for years accused the IDF, Israel Police and Israel Prison Service of sexual violence and other forms of abuse against detainees, allegations that Israeli officials have consistently denied. The issue remains one of the most contentious points in Israel’s relationship with the United Nations.