Inside the lion’s den: Israel is quietly regaining respect at the UN, Danny Danon tells 'Post'

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon reports a shift in the diplomatic atmosphere at the United Nations. While public hostility remains entrenched, Danon observes that behind closed doors, Israel has regained respect and deterrence following its military operations against Hezbollah and Iran. He cites growing interest in Israeli defense technology, intelligence cooperation, and shifting alignments in Latin America, including improved relations with Venezuela and Colombia. Danon also calls for the removal of UNIFIL and criticizes UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Danny Danon, describes a notable shift in the diplomatic atmosphere at the UN. While public hostility and automatic majorities against Israel persist, Danon observes that behind closed doors, Israel has regained respect and deterrence following its military operations against Hezbollah and Iran. He notes that diplomats, including from Muslim countries, quietly admire Israel's capabilities, leading to concrete results such as intelligence cooperation, trade, and growing interest in Israeli defense technology. Danon highlights Latin America as a diplomatic bright spot, citing a productive meeting with Venezuela's ambassador and expectations of improved relations with Colombia following a change in government. He also calls for the removal of UNIFIL, arguing it has failed its mandate, and criticizes UN Secretary-General António Guterres, saying his conduct has been 'shameful.' Danon acknowledges that private respect has not yet translated into multilateral support but expresses optimism that it can come.