Sep. 15, 2004
Q & A with Daniel Ayalon

Israeli Ambassador to the US Daniel Ayalon has played an instrumental role in Israel’s foreign policy during the last three consecutive Israeli Administrations. Prior to his present appointment, Ayalon was the Foreign Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He has also served as Deputy Foreign Policy Adviser to former Prime Ministers Ehud Barak and Benjamin Netanyahu. He was a member of the Israeli delegations to the Sharm El-Sheikh (1997), Wye Plantation (1998) and Camp David (2000) summits.

A professional Foreign Service diplomat, Daniel Ayalon, 47, is a native of Tel Aviv. He is a graduate of Tel Aviv University’s Economics Department and holds an MBA from the University of Bowling Green in Ohio. He is married and has two children.

Jack Zellman, Los Angeles: Senator Kerry has repeatedly said that, under his administration, the United States would seek more support from the international community, specifically the United Nations, before taking significant action in the Middle East. Should Israel fear a Kerry administration that will wait for approval from an openly anti-Semitic body such as the United Nations prior to helping defend Israeli security interests? I am an eighteen year-old student, voting for my first election this November. I ideally would vote for Kerry, but the safety and well-being of Israel is my main concern and I would appreciate to hear the opinion of the Israeli government on this matter.

Ayalon: Israel enjoys broad bipartisan support in the United States, based on deeply-held values and interests shared by both societies. The longstanding support for a strong and secure Israel is reflected in U.S. public opinion, on Capitol Hill and in the policies of successive administrations. In Israel, we do not see Republicans and Democrats, only Americans. We have a proud tradition of working together, irrespective of the party in power.

John Grosvenor, Portland: Why does the Israeli military shoot children to death for throwing stones at tanks and use battlefield equipment in cramped refugee camps which causes lots of innocent civilians to lose their lives?

Ayalon: It is simply not true. Moreover there is no moral equivalence between indiscriminate terror attacks against civilians and the necessity democracies face in defending themselves against terrorism. Let there be no mistake: unlike Palestinian terrorists, whose primary goal is to kill as many innocent people as possible, Israel, like other democracies, has no choice but to defend itself while doing all it can to minimize civilian casualties even at the risk of the lives of its own soldiers. Palestinian terrorists deliberately and cynically operate in and out of densly-populated civilian areas. Tragically, the war against terror became an urgent necessity due to the complete lack of a credible Palestinian effort to curtail terrorism. .

Howard Hershberg, Baton Rouge, LA: What lengths is Israel prepared to go to prevent Iran from developing deliverable Nuclear warheads?

Ayalon: A nuclear Iran would be a major threat to the international community and further destabilize the Middle East. Iran needs to understand that the international community cannot accept this. Iran is playing for time and time is running out. The issue should be dealt with in short order by the United Nations Security Council. We do not oppose engagement, but it cannot be an end in itself. Israel’s priority is to work with the international community to resolve this issue through diplomatic means.

Ronny Schnapp, Sydney: Are there any indications that there might be a change in the US Administration’s attitude towards the Arab-Israel conflict after the elections (regardless of who wins)? That is, could they decide to go back to the "hands-on" approach of the past?

Ayalon: I cannot speak for the Administration. I can assure you, however, that Israel looks forward to returning to the negotiating table in the future, once the Palestinians abandon terror and choose a reliable leadership that genuinely aspires for peace. Meanwhile, Israel will implement the disengagement plan. Once negotiations are renewed, we look forward to working with the United States on implementing the Roadmap for peace. As Secretary Powell stated last week, in order to move forward, the Palestinians must end terror and institute necessary reforms as called for in the Roadmap.

Leo Solomon, Nahariya: Is the current investigation of AIPAC part of a general attempt to undermine U.S.-Israel relations?

Ayalon: I can personally attest to that fact that US-Israel relations are as strong as ever. AIPAC is an important American organization working to strengthen our bilateral partnership. Israel would never do anything to impair this relationship. The allegations of improper conduct are completely false and outrageous.

Cliff Mays, Appleton: Why not build the barrier, (fence, wall, whatever) on the green line?

Ayalon: The fence is a temporary defensive measure aimed at protecting Israeli civilians from Palestinian suicide bombers. It is in no way a political statement. The route of the fence is determined by security considerations. While large sections of the fence are on the green line, the remainder is to the east and west of the line, as dictated by security concerns. At the same time, we take into account humanitarian concerns, in accordance with our high court rulings, and we are altering the route of the fence to minimize as much as possible the impact on the Palestinian population.

Bob Sampley, Rocky Face: I have been asked to visit Israel on a Holy Land Tour. Do you feel it is safe to make the tour at this time?

Ayalon: I strongly encourage you to visit Israel. We have a beautiful, vibrant country, steeped in history and religion. Many of my American friends say they feel more secure in Israel than in many other places worldwide. The number of tourists visiting Israel this year has increased tremendously. I hope you have a wonderful trip and would enjoy hearing from you upon your return.

Mary Joe Norero, Henderson: Why exactly are the Golan heights so important? And what "policies‘/’agreements" are already out there concerning them?

Ayalon: The Golan Heights are strategic highlands commanding northern Israel, which Syria repeatedly used to shell our northern communities. Israel has stated its willingness to make territorial concessions in return for a durable peace. To prove its seriousness, however, Syria must move beyond rhetoric and end its support for terrorism against Israel. Syria plays a central role in sponsoring terrorism through its support of the Hizbullah in Lebanon and the 11 Palestinian terror groups headquartered in Damascus.

Eytan Leibovitz, Jerusalem: According to certain statistics, the Hispano-American community will in the future influence the US foreign policy considerably. What does Israel concretely do today to woo the American Hispano community?

Ayalon: We deeply respect the Hispanic-American community. Our embassy in Washington and our consulates throughout the country continue to reach out to Hispanic Americans through joint programming, Hispanic media outlets and meetings with community and business leaders, Clergy, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and grass roots leaders. We also train Spanish-speaking diplomats and hire local employees especially in areas with large Hispanic communities. Just last week I had the pleasure of hosting at my residence a special dinner for national Hispanic leaders. We discussed ways to deepen and further our cooperation and dialogue.

Menahem Dunsky, Montreal: Have you ever imagined a time, when Israel resigns from the UN, claiming anti Semitism, and blaming the victim?

Ayalon: Having served in a previous posting at Israel’s mission to the UN, I am well aware that the UN, due to its automatic majority against Israel, is not a forum in which we can hope to receive equal and fair treatment. However, we will not shirk from our mission to represent Israel’s just and moral cause in international bodies. The US and several other countries have been critical allies in supporting this effort.