Germany has failed to win a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a rare diplomatic setback widely attributed to the international backlash against Berlin’s strong support for Israel, Anadolu reports.

Germany was edged out by rivals Portugal and Austria in the first round of voting in the UN General Assembly, losing one of the two seats reserved for Group of Western Europe and Others for the 2027-2028 term.

During the vote, Germany received just 104 votes, well short of the two-thirds or 127 votes needed for victory, while Portugal led with 134 votes and Austria followed with 131.

This is the first time Germany has failed in its bid for a seat on the body. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government has campaigned intensively for the seat, promising to use it to defend international law and support initiatives that strengthen the UN’s role in global peace and stability. However, Berlin’s campaign ran into major obstacles. Israel and its reluctance to take a tougher stance despite accusations of war crimes in Gaza had become a major obstacle that could cost it crucial votes from member states.

Source: prizrenpost