Israel dropped out Friday of a race for a Security Council seat in 2019 and 2020, clearing the path for Belgium and Germany to take the two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group. Germany and Belgium, which are now running uncontested, had rejected all efforts exerted by Israel to push them for a withdrawal from the race. "After consulting with our partners, including our good friends, Israel has decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the Security Council," said a statement from the Israeli mission. "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," the mission said. "This includes the Security Council as well as an emphasis on areas related to development and innovation." A UN source had said that Israel would withdraw because it had limited chances to win a seat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the decision upon a recommendation from the Foreign Ministry. The Western European and Others regional group known as WEOG includes 28 states, among them Israel. The group is currently represented in the Security Council by Sweden and the Netherlands. Even if a country is put forward as the regions candidate for a seat, it still needs to secure more than two thirds of the overall vote in the 193-nation General Assembly. Ahead of the June vote, the Arab group and Palestinian mission exerted strong efforts to back Germany and Belgium in the race, and convince the world that Israel should not get a Security Council seat because it does not implement any of its decisions.