Israel withdraws from race for UN Security Council seat

By DANIEL J. ROTH, REUTERS

MAY 4, 2018 22:21

Updated: MAY 5, 2018 20:30

The United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US (photo credit: REUTERS) — The United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US

(photo credit: REUTERS)

A source at the UN told Reuters that the decision to withdraw from contention was made after Israel realized it had a very low chance of winning.

NEW YORK – Israel withdrew on Friday from the election for one of two seats on the United Nations Security Council in 2019 and 2020.

“After consulting with our partners, including our good friends, the State of Israel has decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the Security Council,” a statement from the Israeli mission said. “It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN.”

The statement added: “This includes the Security Council as well as an emphasis on areas related to development and innovation.”

A source at the UN told Reuters the decision to withdraw was made after Israel realized it had a very low chance of winning. Israel, Germany and Belgium were competing for two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group.

The 193-member UN General Assembly is due to vote next month on two new members of the five-member Security Council for a two-year term starting January 1, 2019.