The Knesset Education Committee on Monday called on Education Minister Yuli Tamir to revoke her decision to include the historical Green Line in school textbooks. The minister said after the meeting that she stands by her decision.

The Green Line was outlined in the cease-fire agreement Israel signed with Egypt and Jordan in 1949 at the end the War of Independence. With the conquest of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the Six-Day War the Green Line stopped serving as Israel's de-facto border, but it is held by the Palestinians and Arab countries to mark 'occupied territory' Israel must evacuate.

Committee members had sought to issue a similar request to Tamir two weeks ago, but committee chairman MK Michael Melchior (Labor-Meimad) wanted to allow the minister to present her stance before a decision is made.

	Advertisement

Tamir justified her bid by arguing that acquaintance with Israel's borders is essential for teaching history, as well as for allowing students to understand current political disputes.

Earlier Monday the committee discussed state-funded meals at schools. Figures presented to the panel indicate that four months since a new law went into effect, only 50 percent of schoolchildren eligible for hot meals at schools actually enjoy the privilege.