UN Ambassador Danny Danon: “You Will Be Surprised To Hear That We Get Respect From Muslim Ambassadors And Leaders”

Discussions with international representatives revolved not on security, or the Palestinian deadlock, but on Israeli technology, particularly agricultural, such as irrigation and desalination, and the primacy of this sector in building bilateral relations.

Speaking briefly on the UAE and the recent Abraham Treaty, Danon offered the opinion that the one good thing about the US-Iran deal was bringing Israel and the Arab countries closer.

Describing Israel’s diplomatic success in recent years, Danon pointed out that of 193 countries at the UN, more than 160 have bilateral relations with Israel, and he hopes Israel will be announcing more in the next few weeks.

“I’m optimistic,” Danon said. “I’m optimistic about where we are today. I’m optimistic about us changing the way we speak about our rights to the land.”

After this talk, Andria Spindel of the CAEF led a question and answer session.

Spindel began by asking about Israel’s concession in the Abraham Treaty, to abandon Netanyahu’s push to expand Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Danon did not directly deal with how this could play out, but stressed that Israel does best when it ignores others’ demands, and acts in its best interest. He gave historic examples, including crediting Prime Minister Olmert for attacking Syrian nuclear facilities, against US pressure.

Asked whether an Arab embassy would ever come to Jerusalem, Danon answered, “it will take time.”

He also spoke about the much-feared backlash to the US moving its embassy to Jerusalem, and how all of this predicted in-the-streets disaster never came to pass; and nevertheless, in came the first new peace treaty with an Arab nation in over twenty years.

Asked about arms sales to the UAE as part of the Abraham Treaty, and the possibilities of the US selling weaponry, Danon pointed to U.S. legislation guaranteeing Israeli consultation and “qualitative edge” regarding American weapon sales.

After saying the words, “I’m optimistic” several times during the webinar, Danon was asked whether Palestinians would join the momentum behind normalizing relations.

“I’m not optimistic,” Danon said, further expounding that he does not see any opportunity for peace with Abbas as Palestinian leader.

On the topic of Canada, Danon said, “Canada is a strong friend of Israel, still, and we appreciate it.”

Sponsors for the webinar included TheJ.ca, as well as the Israeli Consulate General, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, the Toronto Zionist Council, B’nai Brith Canada, the Canadian Institute for Jewish Research, JTeach.ca, Muslims Facing Tomorrow, Jews Against Antisemitism Canada, and Israel Truth Week.