As the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal joined 150 other countries in recognizing a Palestinian state, I caught up again with Israel’s Ambassador to the UN before today’s UN Assembly to get his reaction.
I also asked him about the aftermath of Israel’s strike on Qatar, with Saudi announcing a defense pact with Nuclear-armed Pakistan, as well as his reaction to Saudi’s warning to Israel if the West Bank is annexed.
Here’s the timestamps for my quick discussion with Ambassador @DannyDanon
00:00 – Four new countries recognize Palestine. Danon’s reaction.
00:34 – “It’s detached from reality. Hamas is still in Gaza – and we will finish the job.”
01:17 – “The world talks about a day after Hamas, but only Israel is acting.”
01:52 – Can there ever be a Palestinian state? “Not while terrorists are in power.”
02:57 – Why the Palestinian Authority has lost credibility.
03:36 – “They still pay salaries to convicted murderers. That must end.”
04:00 – On Lebanon: “We want peace, but Hezbollah must be checked.”
04:22 – On Syria: “Talks are happening – we’ll see where they go.”
04:46 – Saudi & UAE warnings over West Bank annexation – Danon responds.
05:13 – “No decisions have been made yet – dialogue will continue with allies.”
05:31 – The Qatar strike: “Like Bin Laden, terrorists are never safe – not even in Doha.”
06:10 – “We hit Hamas in Qatar – not Qatar itself.”
06:35 – “We support Qatar’s mediation efforts, but we will act when needed.”
07:03 – Would Israel strike Hamas in other Arab states?
07:18 – “Ask why they’re harboring terrorists – not why we’re hunting them.”
07:46 – “We have the names. We have the list. They will pay.”
08:00 – “We’ll minimize friction with partners, but our mission is justice.”
08:12 – “These weren’t peace negotiators. They were Hamas leaders.”
08:24 – Danon’s final message to Israel’s allies and adversaries alike.
