30 May 2024: A recent study by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se) has revealed that the latest editions of Saudi Arabian school textbooks have largely removed references to Palestine from their maps. This change reflects a significant shift in the country’s educational materials and aligns with broader regional trends towards normalization of relations with Israel.
The study, analyzing textbooks for the 2023-2024 academic year, noted that while Palestine has not been completely erased from Saudi educational content, its presence has been markedly reduced. The maps now prominently display the state of Israel without delineating Palestinian territories. Additionally, references to Palestinian national identity and the struggle for independence are less frequent and less emphasized than in previous editions.
This development coincides with ongoing discussions about a potential Saudi-Israeli normalization agreement, which would further integrate Israel into the regional framework. The Abraham Accords, which have reshaped the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, are seen as a driving force behind such changes.
Analysts suggest that these modifications in educational materials are part of a broader effort to foster a more favorable perception of Israel among Saudi youth. Critics, however, argue that this revisionist approach undermines the historical and ongoing plight of the Palestinian people, potentially diminishing awareness of the Palestinian cause among Saudi students.
The Saudi government has not officially commented on the findings of the IMPACT-se report. Nevertheless, the changes in the textbooks are consistent with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize the Kingdom and enhance its relations with Western countries and Israel.
Supporters of the textbook revisions view them as a pragmatic step towards fostering regional peace and cooperation, while detractors see it as a move that erodes the historical significance of the Palestinian struggle.
This significant shift in Saudi educational policy marks a departure from past editions where Palestine was prominently featured, indicating a broader geopolitical realignment in the Middle East.
