Newsletters
Israel would retaliate forcefully, and without waiting for other countries, if Iran attacks again, Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said in an interview with Newsmax on Sunday, while stressing continued coordination with the U.S.
“We do coordinate our efforts with the U.S. We appreciate the partnership,” Danon told Newsmax’s “Sunday Report.”
“But if Iran will make the mistake and attack Israel again, we will not wait for anyone,” he said. “We will retaliate, and we will hit them hard.”
Danon said Israel believes any approach toward Iran, whether through negotiations, economic sanctions or military action, should address three areas: Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, ballistic missile program and support for proxy groups.
He also pointed to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, arguing that Iran’s activities and support for proxies were affecting the wider global economy.
The Iran conflict is expected to be a major issue during this week’s U.N. General Assembly gathering in New York.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued similar warnings earlier this month. On Sept. 3, he said Israel would target Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities, if Iran attacked Israel. On Sept. 10, he again warned of a strong response against Iran’s key energy facilities in the event of another attack.
Danon said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still plans to travel to New York to address the U.N. General Assembly despite a busy schedule and criticism from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
He said the visit is expected to last about 24 hours because it coincides with Jewish holidays and Israel’s election campaign.
“The prime minister insisted on coming to the U.N. for a very short visit,” Danon said.
Mamdani has previously called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and considered whether New York City could act on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant before acknowledging that the city lacked jurisdiction and calling on the federal government to act instead. The U.S. and Israel are not ICC members.
Danon criticized Mamdani over his position and said foreign policy should be left to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump.
Danon also defended cooperation between Israel and the U.S. amid debate over Washington’s support for Israel.
“We are together. We are partners. We have the same values, same goals, and same enemies,” he said.
Danon argued that Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE could eventually pose a threat to the U.S., saying Israel would continue cooperating with Washington.
Asked about anti-Israel activism among entertainers, Danon said some celebrities he had spoken with lacked knowledge of the conflict and of the Oct. 7 attacks, arguing that they were supporting a cause without fully understanding developments on the ground.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
