Photo Credit: François Proulx / https://www.flickr.com/photos/francois/
The UN Security Council Chambers

Israel decided Friday to withdraw its candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon released a statement to media Friday saying the decision was reached after discussions with allies.

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“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,” the statement read.

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

On Saturday, the German foreign ministry said the decision created “a further incentive for us to stand up for the interests and safety of our Israeli friends,” if Germany wins a seat.

Because two seats were available for the Western-democratic group of nations, and Israel was competing with Germany and Belgium, Israel’s withdrawal essentially guarantees victory for the two European nations in the June 8 election. Three more seats are available: those are reserved for Africa, Asia-Pacific regions, and for Latin America.

The five new members are to begin their new two-year term in January 2019.

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Hana Levi Julian is a Middle East news analyst with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University. A past columnist with The Jewish Press and senior editor at Arutz 7, Ms. Julian has written for Babble.com, Chabad.org and other media outlets, in addition to her years working in broadcast journalism.