Danon Touts 'Strong Alliance' Between US, Israel

Summary

Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, discusses the US-Iran nuclear negotiations, emphasizing that no early concessions should be made and that sanctions and military leverage are vital. He warns that any deal ignoring Iran's ballistic missile program would be a grave mistake. On Lebanon, he says Israel will not leave until the Lebanese army can take over, expressing the goal of a direct arrangement without Hezbollah or Iran. He reaffirms the strong US-Israel alliance and Israel's ability to defend itself independently if needed.

• Danon says it is premature to judge Iran deal trajectory but urges no early concessions, especially waiving sanctions.
• He stresses that leverage (military threat and economic sanctions) is essential when dealing with Iran.
• Israel wants the Lebanese military, not Hezbollah or international forces, to secure southern Lebanon.
• Danon calls a potential deal without addressing Iran’s ballistic missiles a major mistake.
• He describes US-Israel ties as a strong alliance and says Israel is comfortable with US representation in talks.
• He insists Israel will always defend itself, with or without US support, citing its own military service tradition.