Israels UN Ambassador Danny Danon Calls for Reform and Defends Israels Position Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Danny Danon, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, reminded the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) on Wednesday that the UN remains a vital arena for Israel, even as it faces intense criticism and frequent calls for reform.

In a sit‑down at the East Lounge of the UN complex in New York, Danon explained that he returned to the post in 2024 at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. "The stakes are higher than ever," he said. "If you are not here, you allow the enemies to take over," Danon told JNS, stressing the need for Israel to fight for itself in the UN’s halls.

A central theme of the interview was the use of emergency meetings in the Security Council. Danon argued that the mechanism has become a political tool disproportionately applied against Israel. "We have to change the way emergency meetings are called," he said, calling for reforms that would prevent the council from convening such sessions on a selective basis.

Despite his criticism, Danon acknowledged that Israel has allies within the UN. "Behind the public criticism there is a quiet appreciation for Israel’s boldness to stand up," he said, citing the September 2024 attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon as evidence that allies recognize Israel’s strength even if they do not speak it aloud.

Danon also highlighted Israel’s diplomatic gains in the region. He noted that countries such as Colombia, Chile and Bolivia have shifted from hostility to friendliness. "Understand we are not alone," he said, emphasizing that Israel’s allies are willing to support it if Israel is present and vocal.

When asked about the broader UN structure, Danon accused Secretary‑General António Guterres of pursuing an agenda that equates Israel with Hamas. He said Guterres had not visited Israel since the October 2023 conflict and that the secretary‑general’s statements often “try to equate Israel with Hamas.” Danon expressed hope that a new secretary‑general would bring “professionalism and neutrality” and would “clean up a lot of officials who should go home.”

The ambassador also warned about domestic political rhetoric in the United States. He said New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s call for the arrest of Netanyahu if he visits New York for the General Assembly in September could inflame tensions. "Mamdani is not yelling. He’s smiling, but he’s promoting hate against Jews and Israelis," Danon remarked.

Danon confirmed that Netanyahu will arrive in New York on September 24 and urged Jewish New Yorkers to stand firm. "We will overcome antisemitism by confronting it, not running away," he said.

These remarks come amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon. Israel has repeatedly stated its intent to disarm Hamas and dismantle Iranian‑backed proxies. The United Nations has continued to pass resolutions condemning Israeli military actions and calling for ceasefires. In 2024, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution urging a humanitarian pause in Gaza, while the Security Council has convened several emergency meetings.

Danon’s comments reflect a broader debate within the international community about the role of the UN in the Middle East. While some member states criticize the organization’s perceived bias, others argue that reform is needed to make the UN more effective and impartial.

His interview underscores Israel’s determination to defend its security interests on the world stage, even as it seeks to maintain diplomatic ties with a growing number of countries in the Arab world and beyond.

The United Nations will continue to host debates on the Gaza conflict and on broader regional security issues, with the next General Assembly session scheduled to begin in September. Israel’s diplomatic mission remains active in lobbying for a balanced approach to the conflict and for reforms that it believes will protect the rights and security of the Jewish state.