Israel’s U.N. envoy walks out of Security Council to protest Memorial Day session

"Israel’s envoy to the United Nations walked out of the Security Council and read the names of Israelis killed in the past year to protest the body holding a session critical of Israel on Memorial Day.

The periodic Security Council session on ‘the Palestinian question’ was held at UN headquarters in New York and was led by Russia.

‘Today is one of the most sacred days of the year for the State of Israel,’ Gilad Erdan said. ‘We made numerous requests to reschedule today’s debate, describing the deep importance of the day, yet tragically, this council refused to budge.

‘Today’s debate has crossed all lines,’ he continued. ‘While Israelis mourn, this council, as usual, will hear more blatant lies condemning the State of Israel and falsely painting it as the root of all the region’s problems.’

Directly addressing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was leading the session, Erdan asked, ‘What would you do if this council was convening to single out and condemn the Russian Federation and your soldiers on the 9th of May, on Victory Day over the Nazis?’

Erdan said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s continuation was due to Palestinian obstinance, and accused the Security Council of hypocrisy for focusing on Israel, while ignoring Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region.

Erdan read out to the council the names of Israelis killed in the line of service, or in terror attacks, in the past year, ending with the three members of the Dee family who were shot to death in the West Bank earlier this month.

He placed a memorial candle on the table in front of him and walked out of the chamber with the rest of the Israeli delegation.

‘I refuse to spend this sacred day listening to lies and condemnation. This debate disgraces the fallen and Israel will not take part in it,’ he said.

Russia’s refusal to postpone the debate was seen as retaliation for Israel supporting Ukraine, and the Palestinians viewed Russia’s decision as a victory, a Saturday Channel 12 report said, citing a diplomatic official..."