Israel Loses A Friend in UN Security Council As New Zealand Replaces Australia

About a fifth of the incoming United Nations Security Council member countries have no ties with Israel. The UN has voted in five countries to start serving their two-year stints with the council, which is scheduled to begin in Jan. 1. According to the Jerusalem Post, the failure of Turkey to enter the council was good news for Israel as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been known for his staunch criticism. Two of the five incoming members of the council, Venezuela and Malaysia, do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

Reports said Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas may raise the Israeli–Palestinian conflict as part of the agenda of the 15-member Security Council. Among the member countries, 20 percent are allegedly hostile to Israel or refuse to have diplomatic ties. In 2011, Palestine had attempted to secure the nine votes needed to gain UN membership but failed.

If Palestine had gained the nine votes, the United States has the option of using its veto power to prevent a possible resolution for the setting of a timetable for Israel to withdraw if there is no agreement within a year. Since Palestine is not in the council, it will more likely wait until the new member states will push through with the proposal since the incoming group of countries are reportedly more "favorably inclined" to the Palestinians.

Australia has been replaced by New Zealand after the small island nation secured a seat in the council. Israel has lost a friend in the council with Australia gone. Reports said Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was always outspoken in expressing his support of Israel.

New Zealand does not have close ties with Israel. If Australia, EU and the U.S. will oppose the possible Palestinian resolution and pressure New Zealand to do the same, political analysts found it difficult to imagine New Zealand not giving in. Sources claim Israel can rely on New Zealand "with eyes open."

New Zealand had sailed through the first ballot of the voting while Spain overtook Turkey after a couple of rounds. New Zealand's victory in gaining a seat in the UN Security Council is attributed to it being one of the best countries to work with the international system in the last few years. The country has been recognised for its efforts in keeping the peace and upholding human rights. Supporters of New Zealand said being in the council will give the country an opportunity to do more in the global stage.