The United States Thursday, announced that it is to withdraw from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), accusing the body of “anti-Israel bias.”

According to AFP, State Department spokeswoman, Heather Nauert said Washington would establish an “observer mission” to replace its representation at the Paris-based agency.

The move, which could be announced as early as next week, marks the US further estrangement from an organisation that it helped establish after World War II to widen access to education and ensure the free flow of ideas.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made the decision several weeks ago, and told French President Emmanuel Macron Washington was considering leaving during a meeting with President Donald Trump in late September on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.