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

Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley toured southern Israel on Monday to see firsthand the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks and express solidarity with Israelis affected by the deadly massacre.

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

Haley, who has been a staunch supporter of Israel, described the attacks on Oct. 7 as “pure evil.”

“To my Israeli brothers and sisters I say we hear you, we see you, we hurt with you, and we mourn every single life lost,” said the former South Carolina governor in a statement. “For those families who have hostages taken we won’t stop fighting until everyone returns home. Don’t listen to the media bites you hear. America is with you. October 7th hurt us all.”

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

“This is not going to go away by some policy agreement,” she added. “It will only go away when we acknowledge the truth. So pick 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 applauded Haley’s “unwavering support” for Israel, noting that her “clarity and commitment to standing against the forces of evil are truly commendable.” He added that just like Israel’s “resilient” citizens, Haley acknowledged that, “with or without world support, we have no option but to persevere and fight for victory, the complete eradication of Hamas and the return of our hostages.”

“We remain resolute in our determination to ensure the safety and security of Israel and its people,” he said.