Danon Presses UN's Patten to Release Records Behind Israel Blacklisting

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon publicly challenged Pramilla Patten, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, to release her office's communications with Secretary-General Guterres over the decision to add the IDF, Israel Prison Service and Border Police Counter-Terrorism Unit to the annual conflict-related sexual violence blacklist. Speaking at the Security Council open debate on Tuesday, Danon said, 'If you have nothing to hide, show us. Prove that this decision was not fast-tracked. Prove there was no political pressure.' He argued Patten never independently reviewed evidence though Israel had cooperated, and noted the report cited 13 alleged Israeli incidents against thousands documented in other conflicts. Israel remains listed alongside Hamas, Boko Haram, ISIS and Russian forces.