For the first time, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations will head a UN permanent committee.

Danny Danon was elected to head the UN Legal Committee, also called the Sixth Committee, which deals with sensitive topics including fighting global terrorism. The election took place after months of behind-the-scenes diplomatic campaign and despite the attempts by countries from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) led by Iran and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to block the initiative.

This the first time Israel will head a permanent UN committee since it joined the organization in 1949.

Israel was first elected as the candidate for Sixth Committee presidency by the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) of UN member states, which includes European and North American countries.

Then, following the objection by the Arab Group to approve the nomination, the UN General Assembly proceeded to elect Ambassador Danon by a secret ballot. All 193 UN member-states were eligible to take part in today’s election.

109 nations voted in favour of Danon.

“I am proud to be the first Israeli elected to this position,” said Ambassador Danon, “Israel is a world leader in international law and in fighting terrorism. We are pleased to have the opportunity to share our knowledge with the countries of the world.”

“We will not allow dictatorships and anti-Israel countries to harm our standing in the international community. Those who tried to block our appointment would be well advised to take note of the jurisdiction of this committee, as they have much to learn about international law,” he continued,

“We are a full member of the UN and any attempt to deny us of our legal rights in this organization will be met with uncompromising rejection.”

The World Jewish Congress (WJC) welcomed Danon’s election. Ahead of the vote, the WJC had sent letters to the UN ambassadors of 64 countries, urging them to support Israel’s candidacy.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder called the vote “a significant victory for Israel and a glimmer of hope.”

The organization’s CEO Robert Singer said: “The vote shows that things can be done to improve Israel’s standing at the UN.’’