Elise Stefanik to meet with Israeli president after being appointed ambassador to the UN

Republican Representative Elise Stefanik will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., after being named as future U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (UN) by President-elect Donald Trump, in one of his first strategic moves during the transition period.

The meeting between Elise Stefanik and Isaac Herzog is scheduled for 9 a.m. EST, marking the start of the Israeli president's series of diplomatic meetings during his visit to the United States. Herzog also has talks with President Joe Bidenand Senator Lindsey Graham on the agenda, although Graham's team noted that this meeting is not yet confirmed.

Herzog's visit coincides with the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America, where he will be one of the featured speakers. The purpose of his visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss growing antisemitism, issues that will also be present in his meeting with Stefanik, who has shown a firm willingness to confront this problem from her future position as ambassador to the UN.

Recognition and support from Israel

Stefanik's nomination has been welcomed by senior Israeli officials. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, praised her "moral clarity" and stressed the importance of her role in confronting what he sees as a hostile environment in the international body.

"Congratulations Rep. Elise Stefanik on your nomination as the next U.S. Ambassador to the UN. At a time when hate and lies fill the halls of the UN, your unwavering moral clarity is needed more than ever. Wishing you success in standing firm for truth and justice," Danon wrote on X.

Jonathan Harounoff, Israel's spokesman to the UN, also expressed his enthusiasm for working with Stefanik to confront the "malicious lies promoted by hostile nations," according to Fox News Digital.

An advocate for Israel and voice against antisemitism

Stefanik has distinguished herself by her strong support for Israel and her fight against antisemitism, particularly in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. The representative has been a critical voice in front of academic institutions in the United States, demanding Ivy League university presidents clarify their stance on hate speech and the genocide of Jews on their campuses.

Trump's statements and Stefanik's challenges at the UN

Donald Trump described Stefanik as an "is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter." Speaking to the New York Post, Trump highlighted her ability to strengthen the U.S. position on the international stage and restore strong leadership at the UN.

For her part, Stefanik expressed her gratitude for the appointment and acknowledged the challenges ahead. "The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak US leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

A nomination that reinforces Trump's approach to foreign policy

Stefanik's appointment as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. sends a signal of the foreign policy approach Donald Trump seeks to implement in his new administration: a renewed commitment to Israel, a tough stance against antisemitism and an "America First" strategy to address international challenges. Stefanik hopes to win the Senate's endorsement to take office and has stated that she will work from day one to strengthen the U.S. position at the UN and restore peace through strong leadership.

With her nomination, Trump consolidates his foreign policy team with a figure who combines legislative experience and a clear focus on defending U.S. interests in the global arena.