Israel has long sought a position on the security council, and it appeared likely when it was scheduled for a seat in 2018, but Germany’s decision to seek the spot eliminates Israel, who lacks the stature to rival Germany’s bid.
Israel issued a formal complaint against Germany for blocking it from serving on the U.N. Security Council in 2018. Israel has never held a position on the council, although nations such as Syria and Iran have.
The Security Council comprises five permanent and 10 rotating members, elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms and chosen from regional groups. Due to pressures by the Arab League, Israel was removed from the Asian region and placed in the “Western European and others” regional group.
For years Israel has tried to be part of the council, and it seemed as if its calls were answered when it was scheduled to sit on the council in 2018. But Germany recently decided to vie for the 2018 spot, and it is clear that Israel has no chance of winning against Germany.
The Foreign Ministry said that Israel and Germany had an agreement in which Germany said it would not run, but the agreement was now being breached. Israeli Ambassador to Germany Yakov Hadas has protested to the German Foreign Ministry, and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who is set to arrive in Israel over the weekend, will be given the same message.
View original Israel Hayom publication at: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=9283