Who should be the Israeli UN Ambassador?

That the Ambassador to the UN is a position of great importance in Israel?s diplomatic service is a given. The current Ambassador, Gabriella Shalev, will finish her term next summer, and various candidates? names have popped up both in the media and behind closed doors. It has been over 20 years since the position has been occupied by a professional Foreign Service diplomat and the public expects a political nomination. It is thus essential to reflect on the appropriate candidacy requirements, since potential disagreement between the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister might result in a decision made in the 11th political hour.

Some argue that the UN Ambassador should not come from the private sector since the job requires deep understanding of the way the government works. Yet America has championed another model by allowing frequent transitions from the private sector to the public one and back. Experienced business people and academics can bring a wealth of ?real life? knowledge to the media and diplomatic scene. Dan Gilerman, who was the first Israeli UN Ambassador to come from the private sector, learned the secrets of public diplomacy quickly. Thus, candidates for the job should not be limited to the pool of past Ambassadors or communications specialists. However, any transition of a private sector veteran should not be in lieu of diplomatic and communications skills as we have seen in Israel in the past.

A group of ex- Israeli Ambassadors and experienced academics have recently called to nominate an Arabic-speaking person, who is familiar with Arab culture and history and can secretly negotiate with Arab diplomats at the UN. While the group has good intentions, their proposal represents an incomplete job description, potentially jeopardizing its effectiveness.

Indeed, the UN has been one of the ancillary venues to build bridges to the moderate Muslim countries and fight religious and political extremism. But first and foremost, the UN, as the leading multilateral institution, presents an Israeli diplomat with the challenge of creating coalitions with third parties to block anti-Israeli resolutions and protect the welfare and security of Israel and the Jewish people through the UN?s various bodies. The future Ambassador should have the ability to confront such a challenge. How would this translate into the next Israeli Ambassador?s agenda in coming years?

It requires working closely with the Chinese and the Russian delegations with respect to potential additional sanctions on Iran at the Security Council due to Iran?s nuclear practices. The new harmonized European foreign policy following the recently ratified Lisbon Treaty may force the Israeli UN diplomats to create a European consensus around core Israeli interests and a Mediterranean partnership. New friendships should be built with African and Latin American nations that were neglected by Israeli diplomats for so many years. The shift of economic power to the East also has effects on a growing participation of Asian states in Middle East affairs. Finally, the internal UN discussion on Goldstone Report, which is not over yet, requires some familiarity with law fare and its challenges.

Another important aspect that should be taken into account is the potential relationships with the US Jewish community and its advocacy organizations, such as the Conference of Presidents, AJC or ADL, with whom I have been collaborating over the years. These organizations play an important role in building relationships at the UN where Israel?s hands are officially tied. Their success at the Second Durban Conference is a good example. The Israeli UN Ambassador should work with them closely, and their voice should be heard in the nomination process.

Lastly, Israel?s image as a state of war and terror can be supplemented by a positive contribution of Israeli citizens to multiple UN agencies, such as World Food Program. Only positive change from within, which exposes various Israeli perspectives to the world, can make a sustainable difference over time. This cannot be done without tireless institutional efforts of the Israeli Ambassador.

Whether the candidate is an experienced diplomat or a TV host, the ability to confront these challenges should be a decisive factor. Most candidates who were recently mentioned can fulfill these goals. Yet, the current system, where both Bibi and Leiberman need to agree on the candidate, may lead to a last minute decision driven by the constant need to produce political carrots in an unstable political system. Ambassador Shalev was informed about her position late in the game following disagreements between Prime Minister Olmert and Foreign Minister Livni. The government should not repeat this mistake. There is simply too much on the UN table.

Dr. Efraim Chalamish is a Global Fellow at New York University Law School and the United Nations Representative in NY of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers.