The United Kingdom has barred Israeli students from enrolling at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in London, citing Israel’s escalating military actions in Gaza.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the move on Monday, sparking an immediate backlash from Israel’s Ministry of Defence.
Israeli officials called the ban “discriminatory” and a betrayal of Britain’s long-standing ally.
A British defence spokesperson told Reuters, “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong.
We have therefore taken the decision to pause future Israeli participation in UK-run courses.”
The RCDS offers advanced postgraduate courses in international strategic studies to senior officers, diplomats, and government officials worldwide.
Under the new policy, starting next year, Israeli students will no longer gain admission. Currently, fewer than five Israeli officers remain enrolled in non-combat courses across the UK.
The decision marks a sharp shift in Britain’s defence ties with Israel, which have traditionally been close. However, relations have cooled amid the deepening Gaza war.
In July, the UK threatened to recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel improved humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Earlier this month, Britain barred Israeli officials from attending its largest arms fair, though Israeli defence companies were still allowed to exhibit.
The latest ban comes after Israel announced plans in August to seize Gaza City, home to nearly one million displaced Palestinians.
Israel described the move as decisive against Hamas, but international critics condemned it as reckless and devastating for civilians.
Amir Baram, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defence, accused the UK of betraying a wartime ally. In a letter to the MoD and the RCDS, he wrote, “Israel’s exclusion is a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty.
This decision is discriminatory and contrary to Britain’s tradition of tolerance and decency.”
The UK MoD defended its stance, saying its military courses stress international humanitarian law and human rights compliance.
Officials insisted that the decision reflected Britain’s opposition to the escalation in Gaza, not hostility toward Israel as a whole.
The move has further exposed the growing strain in UK-Israel relations, as Britain balances its security ties with concerns over humanitarian law violations in Gaza.
