Israel’s outgoing Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon reflected on his last five years in office and plans for the future during his final press briefing on Tuesday.
Danon’s first move upon returning to Israel will be to visit his mother, who he has not seen in almost a year, he said.
Regarding the next step in his career, he shared advice that former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley gave him, which is to take “time before making any commitments.”
So, he said, “I’m going to go back to Israel and enjoy it. Relax and take my time before making any decisions.”
A former Knesset member from the Likud Party, he previously served as minister of science, technology and space, and as deputy minister of defense. Regional Cooperation Minister Gilad Erdan will replace Danon at the end of July. In January, Erdan will take over Ron Dermer’s position as Israel’s ambassador to the United States as well.
Danon noted that his “lowest moment in the last five years [was] the moment the U.S. decided to abandon Israel” at the U.N. Security Council under the Obama administration, when it supported Resolution 2334 against Israel. He further accused the Obama administration of working behind the scenes to promote that resolution, which condemned Israel’s presence in Judea and Samaria, as well as eastern Jerusalem.
Nevertheless, the ambassador strongly feels that “no one can jeopardize the bond” between America and Israel.
He also offered this advice to Israel’s enemies and allies alike: “Don’t threaten Israel. You’re not going to gain anything from it. [If] you have concerns, speak to us.”