UK Bans Israelis from Prestigious Defence Academy Amid Gaza Conflict

The UK government has announced that starting next year, Israelis will be banned from enrolling in the Royal College of Defence Studies, marking the first time since its 1927 founding that such a ban has been imposed. This decision comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which the UK condemns for escalating violence and humanitarian crises, emphasizing a need for an immediate ceasefire, hostage returns, and increased aid to Gaza. The British Ministry of Defence highlighted that all UK military courses uphold international humanitarian law, implicitly criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza. Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. Amir Baram strongly condemned the ban as discriminatory and a betrayal of an ally, stressing Israel’s role in countering regional threats and hostage recovery. The ban reflects growing tensions between London and Jerusalem, following UK sanctions on Israeli officials and freezes on trade and arms licenses, demonstrating a significant diplomatic rift over the Gaza conflict. The UK government maintains the move is part of broader efforts to pressure for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.