Seventy years ago today – 24 years before the Federal Republic of Germany’s admission to the United Nations – Israel was admitted to the UN as a full member. The Federal Government would like to take this 70th anniversary as an opportunity to reiterate the fact that Germany stands at Israel’s side in the UN, too.

Germany’s historic responsibility for the Jewish and democratic State of Israel and its security is part of our raison d’être. Germany will always work, including in the UN, to ensure that Israel’s right to exist is never called into question.

The Federal Government is most concerned about the fact that, to this day, Israel continues to be criticised inappropriately, treated in a biased manner and marginalised in the bodies of the UN. Germany has made a firm pledge, also as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, to act as a friend of Israel, to oppose any unfair treatment of Israel in the UN and to support its legitimate interests. We will continue to do our utmost to support these causes.

Our support for legitimate Israeli interests in the UN is also rooted in our firm belief that the UN lies at the heart of the multilateral, rules‑based order, to which the Federal Government is deeply committed. We firmly believe that only a strong rules-based order can guarantee lasting security and peace.

This is also true of the unresolved Middle East conflict. The UN resolutions constitute the international framework in which the parties should work to achieve a permanent and just solution. Until then, the UN will play a crucial role in stabilising the situation via its institutions and organs.

In its profound solidarity with the Jewish people and the State of Israel, Germany will continue to do its part in strengthening Israel’s representation in the UN.