Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Israel will retaliate forcefully if Iran attacks it again, even as it coordinates closely with the United States on efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for proxy groups, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon told Newsmax on Sunday.
“We do coordinate our efforts with the U.S. We appreciate the partnership,” Danon said on Newsmax’s “Sunday Report.”
“You know, the U.S. is a senior partner, and we respect the leadership of President [Donald] Trump. But if Iran will make the mistake and attack Israel again, we will not wait for anyone,” he added. “We will retaliate, and we will hit them hard.”
Danon said Israel believes any resolution involving Iran must address three major areas.
“But we know we have to make sure that whether through negotiations or economic sanctions or military efforts, we have to achieve three goals. Make sure they don’t have nuclear capabilities, make sure they don’t continue with the ballistic missile threats, and that they stop funding the proxies.”
Danon said Iran’s activities are affecting countries far beyond Israel, pointing to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
“Look what’s happening today for world economy because of the Strait of Hormuz, the strait at Bab al-Mandab,” he said. “You know, they are spending billions on proxies, and they are hurting everyone, not only Israel but the entire world.”
Danon’s comments come as the war with Iran is expected to be a major issue during this week’s annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Danon also addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned appearance at the General Assembly, saying Netanyahu intends to make the trip despite his crowded schedule and opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Netanyahu’s visit is expected to last about 24 hours because the gathering coincides with Jewish holidays and Israel’s election campaign.
“It is a very, very busy time for the prime minister, because we have the High Holidays and we have a campaign for the elections,” Danon said. “But still, the prime minister insisted on coming to the U.N. for a very short visit.”
Danon said Netanyahu would deliver his General Assembly speech despite Mamdani’s criticism.
“He will deliver the speech in the General Assembly, especially after we heard Mayor Mamdani threatening him not to come.”
Mamdani previously called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and explored whether the city could act on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Mamdani later acknowledged that New York City lacks jurisdiction and urged the federal government to act instead. The United States and Israel are not members of the ICC.
Danon sharply criticized Mamdani over his handling of Netanyahu’s visit and anticipated demonstrations.
“But if someone should be arrested, the mayor himself, you know, he actually praised Hamas terrorists, incites against the Jewish communities. And he actually sent one of his representatives to meet with the Iranian ambassador in the United Nations,” Danon said. “So I would advise him to focus on his responsibility as the mayor and leave foreign policy to Secretary [Marco] Rubio, to President Trump. They know what they are doing.”
Danon also defended the U.S.-Israel relationship amid growing debate in the United States over Washington’s support for Israel.
“We are together. We are partners. We have the same values, same goals, and same enemies,” Danon said.
“You know, they’re coming against us because we happen to be in the front line. But at the end of the day, the missiles and the drones that the Iranians are sending into the UAE, Saudi and Israel, they can reach eventually the U.S.,” he added. “So we will continue to fight together and to cooperate, and what we are doing now is we are defending the interests of the U.S. and Western societies.”
Asked about anti-Israel activism among entertainers, Danon said he has encountered celebrities who know little about the conflict.
“That’s unfortunate. And many times when I have discussions with these individuals, I am shocked,” Danon said. “They have no clue what we are talking about. They don’t know what the situation on the ground is. They are not aware of what happened on Oct. 7.”
“You know, it’s like somebody today will actually say, I want to support the terrorist who committed the atrocities on 9/11,” he continued. “How can you actually side with terrorists? So most cases, you know, it’s people who have zero knowledge, but they just want to be involved in a cause, and unfortunately, they pick the one cause.”
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