US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley arrived at Jerusalem's Western Wall on Wednesday afternoon as part of her official, three-day visit to the Jewish state.
As she opened her 3-day visit, Haley met with President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Netanyahu and delivered more of the trademark comments that have won the newly appointed ambassador the title of Israel's strongest defender in the global body.
Israel Hayom, Israel's pro-Netanyahu free daily, devoted most of its cover Tuesday to Haley, highlighting her threat to withdraw from the Human Rights Council if it does not end its bias against Israel.
Haley says the United Nations has bullied the country for a long time, and the USA will make sure it does not continue.
"If the Human Rights Council is going to be an organization we entrust to protect and promote human rights, it must change", said Haley.
The George W. Bush administration also cited Israel bashing and the presence of human rights abusers when it pulled out of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, the predecessor of the current council. "Israel is no longer the UN's punching bag", Reuven said.
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He had earlier said that former secretary of state Hillary Clinton can not be argued with because she is "weak" and a woman. He explained that he never has an off day as President because he's a man.
But in Israel, the fiery former SC governor enjoys superstar status - along the lines of that enjoyed by Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who's starring in "Wonder Woman" - from a nation grateful for Haley's robust defense of it on the worldwide stage.
Zeid, a Jordanian prince, acknowledged that some people would respond "that the experiences of the two peoples are not equivalent: How could I mention them in one breath?"
"Thank you for all your help and standing up for Israel, standing up for the truth, which is standing up for America".
"We appreciate your strong stand on the world's most important stage, in support of the security of the people and the State of Israel", he said. "They sense that the tone has changed", she added. "We have an ancient Hebrew saying that when somebody tells a truth, you can feel it".
"You know, that's all I've done, is tell the truth", Haley responded. It was something that we're so used to doing. "It is essential that this council address its chronic anti-Israel bias if it is to have any credibility". As she left she was surrounded by a large group of people who called out thanks to her for standing up for Israel. "Being a member of this council is a privilege, and no country who is a human rights violator should be allowed a seat at the table", she said.
