Gov. Nikki Haley (R., S.C.), President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, was the first governor in the country to enact laws that combat the anti-Israel boycott, divestment, and sanction movement.
The law that Haley signed last summer banned South Carolina from doing business with any company that is participating in a boycott "based on race, color, religion, gender or national origin of the targeted person or entity."
South Carolina's law was seen as crucial to opponents of the boycott movement who feared that large government entities such as state universities could be pushed to cut ties with the Israeli state.
Haley has been an outspoken supporter of Israel. In her response to President Obama's State of the Union address this year, Haley was critical over the way Israel has been treated by his administration and pledged that it would be different under Republicans.
"If we held the White House," Haley said, "we would make international agreements that were celebrated in Israel and protested in Iran, not the other way around."
South Carolina also maintains a research and development agreement with Israel.
Israel's United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon called Haley an "outspoken fighter against the BDS movement" in his statement following the Wednesday morning announcement.
"Governor Haley is a longstanding and true friend of Israel and is an outspoken fighter against the BDS movement in her state, and throughout the U.S.," said Danon. "I know that we at the Israeli Mission will continue to work in full partnership with our friends in the American Mission, as we further strengthen the special bond and shared values between Israel and the U.S."
Trump said he chose Haley because she is a "proven dealmaker."
"Governor Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country," Trump said. "She is also a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage."
Haley said she would accept the position and that the country faces "enormous challenges" on the international stage.
"Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally, and I am honored that the President-elect has asked me to join his team and serve the country we love as the next Ambassador to the United Nations," said Gov. Haley.