This year, students must put more emphasis on learning the Bible, which is the “basis for why we are here,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at a cabinet meeting two days before the start of the new school year in Israel.

Bible-supported Zionism, must be at the root of a “revolution” in education brought about by the government, said the Israeli leader on Tuesday, the Jerusalem Post reported.

“Our objective is to carry out an education revolution,” he said. “This revolution will be based on two things: excellence and Zionism.”

Zionism, built on Bible study and learning about Jewish heritage, will teach students why the Jews are in Israel, he continued, putting heavy emphasis on studying the Torah (Bible).

Bible study must come first, the prime minister elaborated.

“First of all the study of the Bible. We must make a major effort, this is the basis for why we are here, why we have returned here, why we stay here.”

Students should also learn about Jewish contributions to civilization, history, and knowledge, which is the “basis of the new world, and the basis of Israel as a strong nation in the world,” Netanyahu said.