Netanyahu sends a message…
Netanyahu to Appoint Danny Danon as Israel’s Next UN Envoy
Israel’s current science minister strongly opposes a two-state solution and has expressed support for the annexation of the West Bank. He is also an ally of Rick Perry, one of Obama’s most outspoken critics.
Barak Ravid, Ha’aretz, 14 August 2015
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that he will appoint Science, Technology and Space Minister Danny Danon as Israel’s next ambassador to the United Nations due to the UN platform’s current significance.
“The UN platform is very important at this time, and I’m sure Danny will fight with all his might to present the truth in the international arena,” Netanyahu said.
“Houston, we have a problem,” the Zionist Union said following Danon’s appointment, calling it “another nail in the coffin of Israel’s foreign relations.”
Danon has served as an MK since 2009, and has served as chairman of the World Likud organization for nine years, where he is responsible for the party’s international relations.
He previously served as a Jewish Agency emissary in Florida. The married 44-year-old father of three holds a B.A. in International Affairs from Florida International University, and an Master’s degree in public policy from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Danon is considered of the leading officials of the Likud’s far-right wing. He strongly opposes a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, and has expressed support for an Israeli annexation of the West Bank.
In recent years, Danon has been one of the most outspoken Likud MKs against U.S. President Barack Obama. He has forged alliances with the conservative, right-wing elements of the Republican Party, headed by Texas Governor Rick Perry.
In September 2011, outside of the UN General Assembly, Danon and Perry held a joint press conference expressing opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state and severely criticized Obama’s Middle East policy as dangerous, naive and misguided. Danon called on Obama to “stop the policy of grovelling to the Palestinians.”
Danon’s appointment as UN envoy is designed to solve a series of political problems for Netanyahu within his party. When Danon heads to the UN in October immediately following the UN General Assembly, Danon will give up his place in the cabinet, allowing Netanyahu to fulfill promises made to Likud MKs Tzachi Hanegbi and Benny Begin, effectively allowing them to serve as government ministers.
Further, Danon has served as chairman of the Likud Central Committee, a post from which he rebelled against Netanyahu more than once, challenging his leadership. Upon Danon’s departure to New York, Netanyahu could push to appoint a more suitable appointment for Likud Central Committee chairman.