Gaza (QNN)- Britain has barred Israelis from one of its most prestigious defence academies, reported The Telegraph. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the Royal College of Defence Studies will not accept Israeli students from next year.
An MoD spokesman said British military courses remain open to many countries. But he stressed that “Israel’s decision to escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong.” He called for an immediate ceasefire and more humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
This marks the first time since the college was founded in 1927 that Israelis have been excluded. The college is part of the UK’s Defence Academy and offers advanced studies for senior officers, diplomats, and officials.
Amir Baram, director general of Israel’s defence ministry and a graduate of the college, condemned the move. He called it “a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war.”
In a letter to the MoD, Baram described the ban as “discriminatory” and a “disgraceful break with Britain’s proud tradition of tolerance and decency.”
He claimed that Israel is defending international shipping from Houthi attacks, blocking Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and fighting to free Israeli soldier prisoners. Excluding Israeli voices, he threatened, undermines British security.
The ban is part of a series of punitive measures by London. Britain recently barred Israeli officials from participating in its largest arms exhibition. Last year, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer suspended 30 arms export licences to Israel.
Starmer has also said Britain will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly later this month if Israel continues its genocide in Gaza and does not rule out annexing the West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted the UK stance. He accused Starmer of “rewarding Hamas” and called the suspension of arms sales “shameful.” He said Britain’s decisions would embolden Israel’s enemies.
