"It was a shameful day for the United States. We weren't there for our friend when it needed us and that will not happen again, not on my watch" – this was the first thing US Ambassador Nikki Hailey told me when we first met.
She was referring to Security Council Resolution 2334, which ruled that the Judea and Samaria settlement enterprise was illegal and was adopted because of the Obama administration's decision not to veto it.
Haley, in just a few words, summed up the new reality ushered in with the onset of President Donald Trump's administration.
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Under constant criticism from the international community, the Trump administration has been leading unprecedented changes to US foreign policy with respect to the State of Israel.
In three historic decisions – exiting from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, relocating the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and the American recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights – the president proved that the fear of these steps was disconnected from reality and has even harmed Israel.
Previous administrations feared that moving the US embassy to Jerusalem or any American recognition of the Golan would lead to a third intifada or even a military confrontation with Syria.
The Palestinian Authority, which is known for its preference for unilateral steps, has chosen to sever ties with the US and thus continues to undermine the interests of the Palestinian people. The Syrian government – the one that has been butchering its people for the past eight years – has opted against challenging the IDF's superiority, and rightly so. These doomsday scenarios were replaced by a new reality that is consistent with Israel's historical truth.
Moreover, many countries have chosen to follow the US's example and established diplomatic missions in Jerusalem, some as a precursor to relocating their embassies.
Change can also be seen in the United Nations. For decades, this organization has been plagued by the stench of anti-Semitism, but when Ambassador Haley took office she declared that "there's a new sheriff in the UN" – and she meant every word.
Together, we worked to change the hostile attitude toward Israel at the UN. One of the most important moments in our cooperation efforts was when we led a move toward the UN condemnation of Hamas, winning the support of 87 countries and an unprecedented UN resolution against a terrorist organization.
In many ways, Haley reflected the creed promoted by the Trump government – truth-seeking, firm, unwavering. The American administration chose to send to the diplomatic front a champion for truth and justice. The United Nations understood that the rules of the game in Washington had changed – words were morphing into action.
The American iron wall is a tremendous help to Israel, but it also reinforces the US's standing in the international arena.
Intelligence on potential terrorist attacks in the United States is shared with US intelligence agencies and helps save many American lives, and attempted cyberattacks on US soil are sometimes blocked by Israeli technologies. The Israel Defense Forces shares advanced technological knowledge with the US military, thus bolstering its international superiority. Elsewhere, Israeli innovations in the field of water conservation are used in many rural areas throughout the United States, so as to promote local agriculture. The relationship between Israel and the US transcends mere defense ties and must be viewed in a broader context, one in which both sides benefit.
Another pillar of the strong alliance between the two countries is the Jewish community in the US. Israel continues to enjoy great and uncompromising sympathy among American Jewry, and while we have had our disagreements in the past – and no doubt will have them in the future as well – what unites us will always be greater than the attempts by individuals to undermine the two nations' bond.
The deep connection between Israel and American Jewry is strong enough to thwart attempts by individuals who wish to create a false rift. One example of the strength of our bond is the number of US Jews who visit Israel, a figure that has grown from 15% to 40% in recent years. We will always see American Jewry as true partners.
When the "deal of the century" unfolds, we will explore it with an open mind and a sincere desire to participate in shaping a better regional reality – unlike the Palestinians who have already declared the deal "dead on arrival." We are grateful to the current US administration for its unprecedented investment in developing a plan whose sole purpose is to create a more stable and less divided Middle East.
In the Security Council, I presented the Israeli principles that should be at the heart of any negotiation: Palestinian recognition of a Jewish state, the end of the incitement campaign, protecting Israel's security interests, and fostering collaborations with neighboring countries. These principles can turn the diplomatic process into reality.
Israel does not shy away from historical opportunities – it has led some in the past. The peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt have proven beneficial to all parties involved and attest to the fact that Israel is looking forward to a time when the circle of regional peace will expand. Leaders who agree to lay their swords and abandon the path of incitement and hatred will find a partner for this opportunity in Israel.
Danny Danon is Israel's ambassador to the United Nations
