Israel Followed 'Bad' Example of US by Withdrawing From UNESCO - Moscow

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said Moscow regrets that Israel decided to pull out from UNESCO following the United States.

Commenting on Israel's announcement on the withdrawal from the UN cultural body, Zakharova said that the decision was made as UNESCO became less politicized in making decisions on the Palestinian issues, including rows over the Gaza Strip and the Old City of Jerusalem.

"This step [Israel's withdrawal from UNESCO] will stop Russian-Israeli cooperation through this Organization. In this regard, we are talking about such important programs as the prevention of extremism and radicalism through education, and the events dedicated to the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust," she pointed out.

It was reported on Thursday that Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered to prepare Israel's withdrawal from UNESCO alongside the United States that announced the similar move prior to that. Washinton announced the pullout citing "the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO." 

The Palestinians have struggled to establish a sovereign state on the territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. However, they have been opposed by Israel that has seized East Jerusalem.