Israel’s principal envoy at the United Nations criticized delegates who departed prior to the Prime Minister’s address and condemned the international organization for scheduling crucial Middle East discussions during a Jewish observance, which left Jerusalem’s representation unstaffed.
“It was a pre-arranged departure. The majority of individuals were not accredited diplomats but rather staff members from antagonistic delegations,” Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon informed Digital.
He highlighted that Netanyahu was the day’s opening speaker, implying that the envoys who exited the assembly hall had seemingly attended solely to stage their walkout.
“I told them, ‘leave and do not return,’ and I was serious. If they are unwilling to hear the address of the prime minister who speaks for Israel and the Jewish population, I believe they have no place in this chamber,” he stated.
Danon further noted that the majority of delegations remained present and demonstrated deference to both Netanyahu and the nation of Israel.
While Netanyahu’s immediate audience inside the hall might have been diminished, his speech was simultaneously transmitted via loudspeakers in Gaza and to residents’ mobile phones, a detail the Prime Minister disclosed during his address. Danon remarked that Netanyahu frequently strategizes how best to convey his message, and this “ingenious concept” of broadcasting his speech for Palestinian ears was a manifestation of that approach.
Danon informed Digital that Netanyahu’s remarks were not aimed at Hamas leadership, who, in his view, “remain indifferent” and only comprehend military might. Rather, he explained, the communication was intended for the populace of Gaza and for the captives who have been suffering in the territory for almost two years.
Furthermore, Danon expressed regret that the United Nations had arranged significant discussions concerning the Middle East during the Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah.
“They conducted deliberations about the Middle East, specifically regarding Israel, in Israel’s absence. I believe this underscores the duplicity of the organization,” Danon informed Digital. “Certain leaders seem more interested in listening to themselves speak than in fostering genuine conversation.”
Danon revealed that he approached the presiding officer of the U.N. Security Council regarding the possibility of rescheduling the discussion, but his efforts to alter the date were unsuccessful. The specific delegation leading the council at that time remains undisclosed, as the presidency rotates on a monthly basis.
Despite Israel’s inability to partake in discussions held during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the nation itself continued to be a primary topic during the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly. Beyond formal U.N. proceedings, Israel encountered additional pressure as various delegations pushed for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Danon characterized the statements from France, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada acknowledging Palestinian statehood as “meaningless.”
“We engaged with numerous delegations. Without specifying nations, we achieved success in that several countries chose not to participate in this charade, these hollow pronouncements, and we are appreciative of that,” Danon stated. He further commented that he holds the view that “generally, everyone understands that these efforts will not yield results.”
When questioned about the strong resolve of certain delegations concerning recognition, he attributed it to political leaders seeking internal victories and leveraging the Middle East conflict to mobilize their constituents.
“I believe they are driven by domestic concerns. Consider President Macron, for instance. He is grappling with numerous internal challenges and issues related to the economy, immigration, and parliamentary affairs. Consequently, it becomes simpler for him to appear at the U.N. and feign leadership. He understands the reality better than that,” Danon remarked.
This past Monday, following a meeting with President at the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu endorsed a U.S.-supported agreement for Gaza aimed at concluding the nearly two-year conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently acknowledged a Palestinian state, expressed his approval of the proposal and anticipated Israel would “commit decisively based on this framework.” He further stated that “Hamas has no alternative but to promptly release all captives and adhere to this plan.”
The outcome regarding whether Hamas will agree to the arrangement, and if so, whether it will uphold its stipulations, is still uncertain.