Danny Danon - In the Lions Den: Israel and the World

Advance Praise for In the Lions Den

During his five years as Israels Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon surprised his critics and proved time after time that Israel can succeed even in this most challenging of arenas. Danny Danons new book, In the Lions Den , describes the trials he encountered and the original methods he employed to advance Israels interests and present the truth about Israel to the world at the UN. This book is a fascinating, insightful, and encouraging read.

Senator Joe Lieberman

Danny Danon and I disagree on much that relates to Israel but both of us champion active discussion. In the Lions Den is Danons detailed articulation of his view of a way forward for Israel. It deserves scrutiny and debate, from which Danon has never shied.

Ali Velshi, Host Velshi , MSNBC

In the Lions Den is a fascinating book that explores how international undertakings are woven behind closed doors and how personal relationships are key to the success of any diplomat. Ambassador Danny Danon shows that with determination, wisdom, and personal charm, even Israel can succeed in a place as challenging as the United Nations.

Ambassador Blanchard, former Ambassador of Canada to the United Nations

Have you ever wondered why the United Nations has devoted more time to tiny Israel than to any other nation on earth? Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, gives you the answer in his new book. Instead of being frustrated and outraged, Ambassador Danon chose action and brought moral clarity right into the hall of the UN General Assembly. Clear and persuasive, In the Lions Den is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the unique role of Israel at the UN and in the world today.

Gordon Robertson, President, CBN

In this riveting life story, which culminates with his five years as Israels ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon reveals a great deal about what makes Israel the amazing country it isand what makes him such a proud Israeli and gifted storyteller.

David Harris, CEO, American Jewish Committee

A WICKED SON BOOK

An Imprint of Post Hill Press

ISBN: 978-1-63758-000-4

ISBN (eBook): 978-1-63758-001-1

In the Lions Den:

Israel and the World

2022 by Danny Danon

All Rights Reserved

Cover Design by Tiffani Shea

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author and publisher.

Post Hill Press

New York Nashville

posthillpress.com

Published in the United States of America

To my beloved wife, Talie, and our beautiful children, Aviad, Hila, and Shira, who are inspiring partners in all of my endeavors.

Contents

T he United Nations is not for the faint of heart. Its a place where dictators, murderers, and thieves denounce America and our allies, then turn around and demand that we pay their bills. It was the privilege of a lifetime to shake things up as Americas ambassador. And it was a pleasure to do so alongside my friend and fellow ambassador, Danny Danon.

I met Danny right away at the UNand that was a big deal. Normal protocol is for American ambassadors to have their first meetings with members of the Security Council, including Russia and Communist China. But I wanted to prioritize Israelour friendahead of our enemies. The reason was simple: One month earlier, America had abandoned Israel at the UN. The previous administration had abstained in a vote condemning Israeli settlements, allowing the biased and bigoted measure to pass. I wanted Israel to know that America once again had its back.

It was immediately clear that he and I would have a great working relationship. We share the same values, including defending our respective countries. We share the same skepticism of the UN, recognizing the deck is stacked against the principles we hold dear. Finally, we share the same direct approach. Danny and I knew we had to fight, and fight hard, to accomplish anything positive in such a negative place.

In that first meeting, we spoke at length about that awful American abstention. Every time I think about that vote, I dont just remember the embarrassing outcome, which America should have prevented. I also remember the sound of every other countrys ambassador clapping, and the sight of Danny sitting there, alone in a room full of enemies and cowards. One of the first things I ever told him was that so long as I was ambassador, Israel would have a friend on the Security Counciland America would never abstain again.

There were many chances to prove it, but the biggest opportunity came less than a year into the job. It was 2017, and America had just made the long overdue decision to move our embassy to Jerusalem. The response was predictable. Country after country stood up to criticize us and Israel. One after another, the other fourteen countries on the Security Council voted to condemn Americas action, and by extension, our ally Israel. But the measure failed because I vetoed it. It was one of the easiest and best votes Ive ever made.

Danny and I worked closely in the buildup to that vote. We also coordinated when the embassy move came up in the General Assembly. Our efforts paid off. Normally, a vote involving Israel ends up with 10 percent or less of the world on the right side. This time, about a third of countries stood with us. In the messed-up world of the United Nations, thats a big win, and Danny Danon helped make it happen.

Our collaboration led to a lot of other wins for America and Israel. We worked together to rally opposition to Iran and the failed nuclear deal, get Arab countries to start paying more for Palestinian aid, advance a resolution recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization, and call out the blatant anti-Semitism that characterizes so much of the UNs work.

One of our biggest joint focuses was reforming the absurdly named Human Rights Council. That organization has a standing agenda item on Israel, letting human rights abusers avoid criticism while attacking a democracy with an excellent record of protecting freedom. It quickly became clear that the Council wouldnt change its ugly, hypocritical ways. So Israel cut ties with it, and America withdrew completely.

My partnership with Danny led to a lot of good. And along the way, we developed a friendship that reflects the strong bond between our two countries. To me, becoming friends with Danny Danon was one of the best things that happened in my time at the UN. I learned a lot from him about Israel, her people, and her traditions. I traveled to Israel and joined him on a helicopter tour of the country. From that vantage point, he showed me a new perspective on Israels struggle. We could essentially see the entire country, which is less than ten miles wide at its narrowest point. He fights as hard as he does because his countrys survival demands nothing less.

Danny and his wife Talie were gracious to host me and my husband Michael for Shabbat dinner. We talked for hours about Israels history, including the dangers it has faced and the courage of its peoplea courage that has always enabled Israel to come through crisis stronger. It reminded me again why Danny did what he did at the United Nations. It isnt just a sense of duty that compelled him to serve. He is driven by a love of country, and so long as he lives, hell do everything in his power to keep Israel safe.