Nikki Haley pays a solidarity visit to the communities in southern Israel attacked on October 7

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon visit southern Israel on May 27, 2024. Photo: Provided

Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley traveled to southern Israel on Monday to see first-hand the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks and express solidarity with Israelis affected by the deadly massacre.

The former Republican presidential candidate visited Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, where Hamas terrorists launched their attack on October 7, as well as the site of the Supernova music festival in Re’im, where a memorial was erected for the victims of the Hamas attacks. Haley, who was accompanied on the tour by Knesset member and former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, also met with a survivor of the October 7 attacks, military and security personnel, and Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi during her visit to the city.

Haley, a staunch supporter of Israel, called the October 7 attacks “pure evil.”

“To my Israeli brothers and sisters, I say, we hear you, we see you, we suffer with you, and we mourn for every single person lost,” the former South Carolina governor said in a statement. “For the families whose hostages were taken, we will not stop fighting until everyone returns home. Don’t listen to the media reports you hear. America stands behind you. October 7 hurt us all.”

She also called on Americans to support Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas terrorists, saying: “This should not just be a personal matter for Israelis. It should also be a matter for Americans, because Israel is fighting America’s enemies.”

“This is not going to go away with any political agreement,” she added. “It will only go away if we acknowledge the truth. So choose a side. My side is the one where we speak for those who can no longer speak and fight for those who can no longer fight.”

Danon praised Haley’s “unwavering support” for Israel, and her “clarity and commitment to fighting the forces of evil are truly commendable.” He added that Haley, like Israel’s “resilient” citizens, recognizes that “with or without global support, we have no choice but to persevere and fight for victory, the complete eradication of Hamas and the return of our hostages.”

“We remain committed to ensuring the security of Israel and its people,” he said.