Washington's decision coincides with its continued support for Israel's genocidal war in Gaza since October 7, 2023, which has left more than 200,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 9,000 missing.
The US State Department said in a statement that Washington informed UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay of its decision to "withdraw from the organization," adding that "continued participation in UNESCO does not serve the national interest of the United States."
The US State Department considered UNESCO's decision to accept Palestine as a member state (in 2011) "highly problematic and contrary to US policy," claiming that it "contributed to the spread of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization."
She added, "In accordance with Article Two (6) of the UNESCO Constitution, the United States' withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026," without providing further details.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar immediately praised Washington's decision, saying in a post on the X platform: "We welcome the US administration's decision to withdraw from UNESCO."
He claimed that "this is a necessary step designed to promote justice and Israel's right to fair treatment within the UN system," considering it "a right that has long been violated due to politicization in this area."
He thanked the United States for its "moral support and leadership, especially in the multilateral arena, which suffers from discrimination against Israel," he claimed.
He said the United Nations needs "fundamental reforms to maintain its relevance."
