Israel Withdraws From Race for UN Security Council Seat

Flags lining the front lawn of the "Palais des Nations," which houses the United Nations Office in Geneva, on Sept. 15, 2015. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

UNITED NATIONS—Israel withdrew on Friday from a race against Germany and Belgium for two seats on the United Nations Security Council in 2019-20.

The 193-member U.N. General Assembly is due to vote next month on five new members for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2019. Israel, Germany and Belgium were competing for two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group.