The United Kingdom will no longer admit Israeli officers to the Royal College of Defence Studies. The decision, first reported by The Telegraph, directly cites Israel’s ongoing carnage in Gaza. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that from next year, Israel will be excluded from the college. The institution, founded in 1927 under Winston Churchill’s vision, has trained senior officers and officials from across the world.
First Ban on Israeli Officers
This marks the first time Israelis have faced a ban from the college. British officials described the decision as a direct response to Israel’s military actions. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence declared that Israel’s actions in Gaza were “wrong.” Therefore, the government resolved to withhold Israel’s access to the college.
Sharp Israeli Reaction
The move has triggered strong criticism in Israel. Amir Baram, director general of Israel’s Defence Ministry, openly condemned the decision. Baram himself graduated from the same college. He called the decision “a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war.” In a letter to the UK Ministry of Defence, he described the ban as “a discriminatory act.” He further called it “a disgraceful break with Britain’s proud tradition of tolerance and plain decency.”
Humanitarian Context in Gaza
Since October 2023, Israel has killed nearly 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Most of the victims are women and children. Furthermore, Israel has reduced much of the enclave to rubble. The bombardment has practically displaced the entire population. Consequently, global condemnation of Israel’s military conduct has continued to grow.
Strategic and Diplomatic Impact
The exclusion of Israeli officers highlights how Britain is reshaping its defence partnerships. The decision also reflects increasing pressure on Western governments to respond to humanitarian concerns. Moreover, it demonstrates that long-standing defence ties can face unprecedented strain when ethical questions arise.
