Israel welcomes Haley’s appointment as US ambassador to UN

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon praised President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for UN Ambassador, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

President-Elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his election of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as the US’ next represent at the United Nations (UN).

Haley, 44, is the daughter of Indian immigrants and the youngest governor in the US. She is considered a rising star in the Republican party.

“Gov. Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country,” Trump stated.

Haley stated she loved her South Carolina post but “when the president believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation’s standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed.”

The two expressed animosity during Trump’s campaign, with Haley supporting Trump’s rivals, but they have appeared to reconcile, as Trump did with several of his former opponents.

Many diplomats from around the world welcomed Haley’s appointment.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon “welcomed” the announcement.

“Governor Haley is a longstanding and true friend of Israel and is an outspoken fighter against the BDS [anti-Israel Boycott, Divest and Sanctions] movement in her state, and throughout the US,” Danon stated. “I know that we at the Israeli Mission will continue to work in full partnership with our friends in the American Mission, as we further strengthen the special bond and shared values between Israel and the US.”

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, was less supportive of Haley.

“If you want to make a deal (between Israel and the Palestinians), then you have to have reasonable relationship with both parties not just one party,” Mansour said, adding the Palestinians were waiting to see the approach the Trump administration would take.

If confirmed by the Senate, Haley would be the fifth woman to serve as the US permanent representative to the UN.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News