U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO over Palestine membership, alleged anti-Israel bias

By zoeysky // 2025-07-25

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The United States has announced its intention to withdraw from UNESCO by Dec. 31, 2026, citing concerns over the organization's alleged anti-Israel bias and the inclusion of Palestine as a member state.
The U.S. has a history of contentious relations with UNESCO, including previous withdrawals in 1983 and 2017. The 1983 withdrawal was due to perceived anti-Western bias, while the 2017 withdrawal was in response to UNESCO recognizing Palestinian heritage sites. The U.S. rejoined in 2023 under former President Joe Biden, partly to counter Chinese influence.
Washington accuses UNESCO of harboring a pro-Palestine and pro-China bias. They are particularly concerned about Beijing's growing influence within the organization and its impact on global standards. The U.S. also alleges that UNESCO's focus on diversity and inclusion conflicts with its "America First" policy.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay rejects the allegations of bias, highlighting the organization's efforts in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. She expresses regret over the U.S. decision, emphasizing its potential impact on global cooperation and partnerships with American communities.
The U.S. withdrawal has practical implications for UNESCO, which relies on U.S. funding and collaboration for various global initiatives, including education, cultural preservation and conflict zone support. Despite the withdrawal, UNESCO remains committed to its mission and will seek to maintain partnerships with American entities in the private sector, academia and non-profit organizations.

In a significant move that underscores ongoing tensions in international cultural and political arenas, the U.S. has announced its intention to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), effective Dec. 31, 2026. The decision announced by the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday, July 22, is primarily driven by two reasons, namely the inclusion of Palestine as a member state, and what Washington perceives as a growing "anti-Israel rhetoric" within the organization. The U.S. has had a contentious relationship with UNESCO, marked by multiple withdrawals over the years. The first withdrawal occurred in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan, who criticized the organization for its alleged anti-Western bias and politicization of issues. The U.S. rejoined in 2003 during George W. Bush's presidency, citing satisfaction with reforms within the organization. However, the Trump administration withdrew in 2017 after UNESCO designated Hebron's Old City and the Tomb of the Patriarchs in the West Bank as a Palestinian World Heritage site. The administration claimed that "mounting arrears, the need for fundamental reform and continuing anti-Israel bias" were the reasons for the withdrawal. Despite this, the U.S. returned in 2023 under former President Joe Biden. The Democrat emphasized the importance of countering Chinese influence within the organization. The latest decision to withdraw stems from the 2011 decision by UNESCO members to grant Palestine full membership. The U.S., a staunch ally of Israel, has consistently opposed any move by UN bodies to recognize Palestine as a state, arguing that such recognition should be part of a negotiated Middle East peace deal. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated that UNESCO's decision to "admit the 'State of Palestine' as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization." This sentiment was echoed by President Donald Trump, who ordered a 90-day review in February to assess any "anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment" within UNESCO. The U.S. administration's concerns extend beyond the Palestine issue. Officials have accused UNESCO of harboring a pro-Palestine and pro-China bias. The White House claims that the organization is overly focused on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, which they argue are at odds with America's "America First" foreign policy. (Related: Israeli tanks enter Deir al-Balah: A new phase in the Gaza conflict.) Moreover, the U.S. has expressed concerns about China's growing influence within UNESCO. Beijing is the second-largest funder of the organization, and Chinese nationals hold key leadership positions, including Deputy Director-General Xing Qu. Washington alleges that China has used its influence to advance global standards favorable to its interests, particularly in downplaying the role of minorities like Uyghur Muslims in China's history. Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the U.S. decision, claiming that Israel has been unfairly targeted by UNESCO. Saar stated that the organization's actions have consistently singled out Israel, and the U.S. withdrawal is a step towards holding UNESCO accountable for its biases.

UNESCO responds, rejects allegations of bias

Unsurprisingly, UNESCO's Director-General Audrey Azoulay rejected the allegations of bias. She argued that the claims "contradict the reality of UNESCO's efforts, particularly in the field of Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism." Azoulay highlighted UNESCO's work in Holocaust education, which has been commended by organizations such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the World Jewish Congress and the American Jewish Committee. Azoulay also expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision, stating that it "contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism" and could affect partnerships with American communities seeking UNESCO recognition for cultural and educational initiatives. The U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO is not just a political statement; it has practical implications. The organization has been instrumental in various global initiatives, including the reconstruction of Mosul's old city, the development of the first global standard-setting instrument on the ethics of artificial intelligence and major programs to support culture and education in conflict zones like Ukraine, Lebanon and Yemen. But despite the U.S. withdrawal, UNESCO remains committed to its mission. The organization will continue its work, albeit with reduced resources, and will seek to maintain partnerships with American entities in the private sector, academia and non-profit organizations. The U.S. decision to withdraw from UNESCO is a complex issue rooted in longstanding tensions and allegations of bias. While the U.S. cites concerns over anti-Israel rhetoric and Chinese influence, UNESCO maintains that its work is impartial and vital to global cooperation. Watch the full video below of "Brighteon Broadcast News" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams about Israel preparing for the next wave of attacks on Iran. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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UNESCO responds, rejects allegations of bias

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