In a significant development, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, is spearheading a landmark mission, guiding a group of U.N. envoys on an informative tour across Israel. This initiative, the first of its kind since the tragic Hamas-led massacre on October 7, marks a critical juncture in international diplomatic engagement with Israel.
Ambassador Erdan, known for his proactive stance in leading missions of U.N. ambassadors to Israel, has historically focused these visits on providing comprehensive insights into Israel's security landscape. The current delegation, comprising nine ambassadors, is set to witness firsthand the impact of aggression from Hamas in the Gaza envelope and Hezbollah's activities along the northern border. These high-level diplomatic visits are pivotal in offering a tangible perspective on the challenges Israel faces, especially in light of the increasing global calls for a ceasefire.
Erdan emphasizes the necessity of this mission, stressing the importance of conveying the harsh realities of the threats Israel contends with. He asserts the need to continue the campaign in Gaza until the complete dismantling of Hamas and the safe return of hostages, countering the oversimplified narrative of those superficially advocating for a ceasefire.
My response to UNRWA employees’ participation in the October 7 massacre:
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) January 26, 2024
How symbolic is it that on International Holocaust Remembrance Day it was exposed that UNRWA employees took part in the massacre? The UN is not only weaponized to delegitimize our existence, but also to… pic.twitter.com/uOSjTf1Uhv
The delegation is notably diverse, featuring representatives from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Liberia, Romania, Ukraine, and three Security Council members: Malta, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. Their itinerary includes meetings with key Israeli figures such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, offering a comprehensive understanding of Israel's strategic and political stance.
This Wednesday, the envoys will visit critical sites like the Kerem Shalom crossing, Kibbutz Be’eri, and Kfar Aza, culminating in a visit to Kibbutz Re’im's Nova music festival site. Here, they will engage with survivors of the October 7 massacre, a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.
The following day, the delegation will shift focus to Israel's northern border, examining the escalating security challenges posed by Hezbollah. Their journey will include a visit to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, symbolizing solidarity with those impacted by hostilities.
In a cheeky move, Israel ambassador Gilad Erdan waved a picture of Yahya Sinwar, while presenting the terror leader's phone number at the UN.
— MidEast Madness! (@joereal99) January 29, 2024
It was during a one of the many debates at the The UN to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War.
Did any UN member call?
Or were… pic.twitter.com/T4CVcHX0ZF
Ambassador Erdan underscores the strategic importance of this visit, confident that it will enhance the envoys' understanding of the multifaceted threats Israel faces. This diplomatic engagement aims to foster a more nuanced and informed international viewpoint, crucial in the global discourse surrounding Israel's security and sovereignty.
