Regional Cooperation Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud) spoke at the virtual Christians United for Israel (CUFI) conference about Israel's friendship with the US and its response to regional challenges.
"Two years ago, we stood together on a sunny morning and witnessed history: The opening of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem," Erdan began.
"You reminded us of two of our most important missions: One, to stand up for the truth in the face of dictators and all those who seek to harm Israel and the Jewish people. And two, to ensure that the bonds between the people of the United States and the people of Israel grow stronger and stronger."
Noting that he will soon take up his new role as Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Erdan promised: "I will speak the truth. I will not stay silent. As the prophet Isaiah (62:1) declared, 'For Zion's sake, I will not stay silent. And for Jerusalem's sake, I will not be quiet.'"
"We will face the challenge of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Iran has never given up its goal of obtaining nuclear weapons. We must continue to demand that all countries cooperate with the United States' maximum pressure campaign, until the Iranian regime has no choice but to give up its nuclear program."
Regarding Hezbollah, he added, "UN resolutions, like Resolution 1701, have failed to prevent Hezbollah from building up an arsenal of 200,000 rockets and missiles pointed at Israel's cities."
"We will do whatever is necessary to defend our citizens, and we will hold the Lebanese government responsible for attacks emanating from its soil," he promised.
"I know that whenever Israel stands up for these challenges, and whenever we stand up for the truth, we can count on Christians United for Israel to stand with us. We deeply, deeply, appreciate everything you do," he concluded.