Esther Solomon in Haaretz: ‘Apparently sausages, ice cream and a jazz band weren't enough to win Germany a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council – not when Israel is involved.’

And: ‘Wadephul primarily blamed Russian meddling for the defeat – but he also noted that Germany's "special responsibility for Israel" may also have cost it votes.’

As well: ‘For decades, Germany has managed to win a Security Council seat every eight years. It has never failed before. It appears that Israel's pariahdom is contagious. But if Germany is now getting a taste of what it means to be BDS-ed, international diplomacy-style, it's unlikely to push it toward even more unconstrained support for Israel, and nor should it.’

Solomon adds that Germany should live up to its promises to ‘defend an international rules-based order.’

Defend with words, actions? Soldiers?

It’s the old question: what does never again mean?

(a sf 2149)