LONDON (BN24) — Britain has banned Israeli officers from attending one of its most prestigious military education institutions in response to Israel’s intensifying operations in Gaza, the Ministry of Defence confirmed Monday, drawing sharp condemnation from Jerusalem.
The decision means that, starting next year, Israeli students will no longer be admitted to the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, which trains senior military and civilian officials from around the world in postgraduate-level international strategic studies.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the move was directly tied to Israel’s announcement in August that it planned to escalate its offensive by seizing control of Gaza City — where roughly one million Palestinians have sought refuge — in an effort to eliminate Hamas.
“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,” the spokesperson said. “We have therefore taken the decision to pause future Israeli participation in UK-run courses.”
Pressure on Israel
Britain has long been regarded as a close ally of Israel, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has sought to apply growing pressure over the conflict. In July, London threatened to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel adopted measures to ease humanitarian suffering inside Gaza.
Earlier this month, Britain barred Israeli officials from attending its largest arms fair but allowed Israeli defense companies to continue showcasing equipment.
Israel Condemns Ban
Israel’s Ministry of Defence swiftly denounced the college exclusion as discriminatory. Amir Baram, the ministry’s director general, sent a letter to both the Royal College of Defence Studies and the UK Defence Ministry, accusing London of betraying an ally.
“Israel’s exclusion is a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war,” Baram wrote, calling the decision a break with Britain’s “tradition of tolerance and decency.”
Humanitarian Law and Military Education
The Ministry of Defence defended its stance, noting that British military courses stress adherence to international humanitarian law. Fewer than five Israeli Defence Forces personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat academic programs across the UK, officials said.
The decision underscores growing tension between London and Jerusalem at a time when Israel’s military campaign has widened and Palestinian casualties continue to mount. Whether the ban leads to broader restrictions on Israel’s participation in UK defense programs remains unclear.
