(Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN, New York)

On Thursday, October 29, 2015, following intensive diplomatic efforts, Israel was accepted to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The decision, with 117 votes in favor to one vote against, marks a dramatic achievement for the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN, especially after Syria called for a vote in order to obstruct Israel’s acceptance.

Hadas Meitzad, who led the efforts on behalf of the Israeli Mission to the UN, said: "This day marks an important achievement for Israel. Israel's advanced capabilities in the field of peaceful uses of outer space, combined with a delicate and complex diplomatic effort, granted Israel's acceptance to this important committee. We look forward to working with our partners to advance this field further."

The efforts to join COPUOS, involved complex diplomatic efforts and sensitive maneuvers ever since the Arab Group thwarted Israel’s acceptance to the committee in Vienna. Thanks to diplomatic collaborations lead by the Israeli Mission to the UN and the International Organizations Department at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel was accepted to COPUOS. The only country that voted against the decision was Namibia.

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space was established in 1959 and has 84 members. It governs the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development.