Saudi Textbook Reforms Remove ‘Greater Israel’ Lessons
Saudi Arabia has removed references to “Greater Israel” from school textbooks. The change forms part of wider revisions to the country’s educational content.The updated textbooks reportedly no longer include several passages about Israel’s territorial ambitions. Officials have not publicly detailed all the changes made to the curriculum.
The revisions also involve religious and social content. Reports say Saudi Arabia has removed multiple hadith references that critics viewed as negative toward Jews.In addition, the textbooks reportedly no longer describe Israel as the “Zionist enemy.” The changes mark a notable shift in language used in educational materials.
Textbook Reforms Reflect Wider ChangesSaudi Arabia has introduced several reforms across its education system in recent years. The country has also reviewed content linked to religion, politics and social issues.The latest changes reportedly include references to LGBTQ+ issues. Textbooks have removed some negative portrayals of LGBTQ+ people, according to reports.
These revisions appear alongside broader efforts to modernise educational content. The changes aim to create materials that reflect Saudi Arabia’s evolving social and political environment.However, the textbook updates have also attracted attention beyond Saudi Arabia. Changes involving Israel, Jews and LGBTQ+ issues can carry political and social significance.The removal of older language could influence how students learn about regional conflicts and social issues. Therefore, the revisions may have wider implications for education and public discourse.
Changes Draw International AttentionSaudi Arabia has been pursuing major social and economic reforms under its broader modernisation programme. Education remains an important part of those efforts.The latest textbook changes add another dimension to that transformation. They suggest that authorities are reviewing long-standing descriptions and references across different subjects.
At the same time, questions remain about the full scope of the revisions. More details may emerge as updated textbooks reach schools and become publicly available.For now, the reported changes highlight Saudi Arabia’s continuing effort to reshape educational material. They also reflect the country’s changing approach to sensitive historical, religious and social topics.
