Danny Danon: Can force alone deliver security for Israel?
Oct 10, 2024
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Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN and former Likud MP, discusses Israel's military actions against groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah amidst a multi-front conflict. He questions whether military force can truly deliver the security Israel seeks. The conversation delves into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, military morality, and the necessity for a balanced approach to achieve lasting peace. Danon emphasizes the importance of mutual recognition in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for leaders to denounce extremism for a hopeful future.
Ambassador Danny Danon asserts that Israel's military response is essential for national security amid a multi-front conflict against hostile groups.
The ambassador emphasizes that lasting peace requires both military action against threats and a reciprocal recognition of rights from Palestinian leadership.
Deep dives
Israel's Multi-Front Conflict
Israel is currently engaged in a multi-front war, facing attacks from various militant groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian-backed forces. The military response is intense, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) working to secure its borders after a significant escalation in hostilities began on October 7th. Ambassador Danny Danon emphasizes that this conflict is largely a defensive measure, asserting that Israel did not provoke these attacks and must protect its civilians. The situation remains dire, with rising casualties and challenges in managing the ongoing threats across multiple fronts.
Diplomatic Challenges and International Pressure
The diplomatic landscape surrounding Israel's military actions is fraught with tension, as international calls for a ceasefire grow louder from allies such as the United States and various European nations. Despite these demands, Israel maintains that it cannot halt operations for fear of jeopardizing hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups. Ambassador Danon argues that the concerns of Western powers do not fully account for the dangers posed by Iranian influence and military capabilities in the region. He expresses confidence that Israel's military actions are crucial to ensuring national security, despite the pressure to de-escalate.
Future of Israeli-Palestinian Relations
The ongoing conflict raises significant questions about the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, particularly in light of the rising violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza. Danon addresses concerns that military actions may be damaging Israel's international reputation, pointing out that military operations are necessary to eliminate Hamas’s influence. He posits that achieving lasting peace requires both defeating hostile entities and a reciprocal recognition of rights from Palestinian leadership. However, he expresses skepticism about the current political climate, citing ongoing support for extremist actions among segments of the Palestinian population.
Stephen Sackur speaks to Israel’s ambassador at the UN, Danny Danon. Israel is now fighting a multi-front war, intent on delivering its enemies in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran a series of crushing blows. But can force alone deliver Israel the security it craves?
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