The decision by US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz to make Israel and Jordan the destinations of his first diplomatic trip abroad underscores Washington’s commitment to the region, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.
“This is significant,” Danon said. “It signals Washington’s commitment to understanding the region’s complex security issues firsthand.”
Waltz’s itinerary focused on regional stability and security, with visits to several critical border areas. Danon, who coordinated closely with the US delegation, described the trip as a key moment for Israel amid growing tension across the Middle East.
“The US mission to the UN deals with issues concerning Israel and the region on a daily basis,” Danon said. “Ambassador Waltz chose Israel and Jordan in order to better understand the on-the-ground realities. We took him to key points, including the borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, to highlight the daily challenges Israel faces.”
Waltz visited military outposts near the northern borders and southern communities near the Gaza Strip. Danon emphasized that the goal was to give the ambassador a direct view of the threats facing Israel, including those posed by Hezbollah and Hamas.
“It was important for him to see the real threats Israel is facing - from Hezbollah’s growing arsenal in Lebanon to the continued rocket fire from Hamas in Gaza,” Danon said.
Waltz’s arrival at the UN was widely anticipated, and Israeli officials say his leadership has already had a positive impact at the Security Council. A former military officer, Waltz brings national security experience to the role, a skill set Danon described as invaluable.
“The difference is clear,” he said. “Since Waltz took office, Israel has felt a stronger, more principled presence at the Security Council. His military background gives him a real understanding of the urgency of these threats, and his commitment to confronting radical elements - whether in the Middle East or in the US - is a game-changer.”
Danon also noted Waltz’s vocal defense of Israel at the UN in the face of mounting global criticism and efforts to delegitimize the Jewish state.
“His approach reflects a deep understanding of the threats we face and the importance of standing united with Israel,” he said.
Waltz met family of Gaza hostage Ran Gvili
One of the most emotional moments of the trip, according to Danon, came during a private meeting between Waltz and the family of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage still held in Gaza. Israeli officials say the meeting underscored the human toll of the conflict and the urgency of the hostage crisis.
“It was incredibly emotional for all of us,” Danon said. “The ambassador, as a former serviceman, connected deeply with the family. This is not just a political issue - it’s deeply personal.”
Waltz reiterated his support for efforts to return all Israeli hostages and emphasized that humanitarian concerns must remain central to any discussion of Gaza’s future.
Both ambassadors expressed a unified stance on Hamas. Waltz reportedly made clear that the group must not be allowed to play any role in the future governance of Gaza, echoing Israel’s position.
“We see eye to eye on this issue,” Danon said. “Hamas cannot stay in Gaza. There is no room for ambiguity. We must act decisively to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure. Humanitarian aid and reconstruction are important - but they cannot come at the cost of allowing Hamas to rebuild.”
Regarding Lebanon, Danon expressed hope that the Lebanese government will act more decisively against Hezbollah but stressed that Israel is prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to secure its northern border.
“We cannot afford the mistakes of the past,” he said. “Hezbollah is a threat, and we are prepared to do what is needed to ensure our security.”
As discussions continue about the region's future, Danon emphasized the importance of securing the release of all hostages before any progress can be made in broader peace efforts.
He referred to former US president Donald Trump’s peace plan, noting: “Section 5 of the plan clearly states that once all hostages are released, that will signal the beginning of the next phase. We are committed to that outcome, and we will not rest until every last hostage is home.”