During a recent trip to Israel, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, voiced his enthusiasm for the impending transition of the US administration. He noted that myriad matters need to be broached with President Trump, including the escalating threats from Iran and Yemen, as well as the precarious situations in Syria and Lebanon. Among these, the most pertinent concerns for us were the hostages, for which preparations are afoot. Danon expressed his anticipation for these discussions with President Trump and his team.
According to Danon, he was extremely pleased with the team President Trump had assembled for his new administration. ‘The President has made exceptional choices for his team. Mike Huckabee, the Nominee for Ambassador to Israel, is someone I consider a close friend. He visited us after the havoc of the horrendous attack on October 7th,’ Danon exclaimed.
Conversely, he also accorded the nominee for the post of Ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, with commendations for her strong leadership. President Trump’s chosen Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was also lauded as a staunch supporter of Israel. ‘Having such friends in positions of prominence, we are optimistic that sailing will be smoother for us,’ expressed Danon.
He lamented the fact that the catastrophic massacre on October 7th, 2023 failed to usher in the world transformation some had envisioned. The UN seemed to lose sight of the hostages, however, Danon asserted that Israel would not forsake them. He affirmed his nation’s determination to keep the world reminded about their battle in Gaza and why Israeli soldiers persevered there. The neglect and exploitation of the 100 hostages in Hamas’s tunnels were causes Israel would continue to combat.
Discussing various UN organizations and their efficacy, Danon pointed out that numerous ones, such as United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), had proven somewhat ineffective. He criticized the presence of a 13,000-strong peacekeeping force stationed at the Lebanon-Israel border which only served as an onlooker whilst Hezbollah erected bases there. In view of this, Israel resolved to shoulder the responsibility of its own security. It was also determined to inhibit Hezbollah’s future endeavors.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA) received scathing remarks from Danon. He reproached them for not just their professional but also their moral failure. Israel furnished proof that UNWRA offered support to Hamas and that several perpetrators of the October 7th attack in Israel were on the UN payroll through the UNWRA. Danon emphasized Israel’s willingness to partner with other UN branches but not ones endorsing terrorism.
Danon also mentioned his hopes for the Trump administration, mainly focusing on their relationship with Israel. He recalled that President Trump affirmed his unwavering, determined support for Israel in past interactions. Trump was the President who followed through on shifting the embassy to Jerusalem, who acknowledged the Golan Heights, and who chose the correct approach with Iran. Israel expected a continuation in this direction, given that they were the US’s most steadfast allies in the region. Danon communicated his optimism regarding this.
Finally, Danon remarked that he felt President Trump was cognizant of the conditions under which the hostages were kept and was eager for their return. Trump voiced his aspiration to exert pressure, a dramatic measure, but deemed necessary by Danon who thought it was incumbent upon the nations to recuperate the captives. Danon ended on this note, reinforcing his faith in President Trump.