Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Azoulay said in a statement on Friday that she deeply regretted the withdrawal, which is set to take effect on December 31, next year. She added that it is inside UNESCO and not outside it that countries can overcome their differences.

On October 12, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s withdrawal from UNESCO, following the US’s withdrawal. The decision reflected Washington’s growing concern over UNESCO, the need for  the organization reform, and UNESCO’s anti-Israel prejudice.