UK Defense College to Exclude Israeli Students Amid Gaza Conflict

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence has announced that, beginning next year, Israeli students will be excluded from attending the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in London. The RCDS offers professional defense and security education to members of the British armed forces and allied countries.

"U.K. military educational courses have long been open to personnel from a wide range of countries, with all U.K. military courses emphasizing compliance with international humanitarian law," the Ministry of Defence stated. "However, the Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza."

Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, director general of Israel's Ministry of Defense and an alumnus of the RCDS, criticized the decision in an open letter to the U.K. government, describing it as a "disgraceful break with Britain's proud tradition of tolerance." He added, "Israel's exclusion is a profoundly dishonorable act of disloyalty to an ally at war."

The RCDS, established in 1927, is led by a commandant from the U.K. forces and senior serving and retired officers. This move marks the first time the institution has barred students from a specific country. The decision reflects growing criticism from Western allies regarding Israel's conduct in Gaza as the conflict continues and the humanitarian situation worsens.