MOD bans Israelis from elite course in London over country's actions in Gaza
The Ministry of Defence has banned Israeli participants from attending its most prestigious defence college in central London.
Israeli nationals had been taking part in the world-renowned Global Strategy Programme at The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) up until summer 2025, but will no longer be invited to attend from the next academic year.
The MOD said the decision was linked to Israel's recent escalation of the conflict in Gaza, which it described as "wrong".
The MOD's most elite international course
RCDS is the most senior college of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, with a long history of developing strategic thinkers and leaders.
It offers a postgraduate-level course in international strategic studies, focusing on political, diplomatic, security, social and economic issues.
It is typically attended by 110 people. Just over half are selected within the UK from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, as well as civil servants from the MOD, other government ministries and Parliament.
The rest of the participants are invited from other countries by the MOD.
BFBS Forces News understands fewer than five people from Israel would usually take part each year.
Decision reflects a shift in tone towards Israel
The MOD said it chose to not invite Israeli participants in the coming year due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and widespread allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law.
"UK military educational courses have long been open to personnel from a wide range of countries, with all UK military courses emphasising compliance with international humanitarian law," a MOD spokesperson said.
"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."
The decision comes amid an overall shift in tone from the UK Government towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate amid a renewed Israeli offensive.
The Government also said it would recognise a Palestinian state by the end of September, should Israel not bring an end to the war.
Angry reaction from Israel
According to The Telegraph, Israel has reacted angrily to the decision.
The newspaper reported that the director general of the Israeli defence ministry, Major General Amir Baram, called the decision a "profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war... a disgraceful break with Britain's proud tradition of tolerance and plain decency".
Maj Gen Baram also attended the course at RCDS.
It is understood this is the first time the college has excluded Israelis.
It is unclear how long the ban will last, or whether it may be lifted in future if Israel complies with international calls to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and end the fighting.
Israeli government delegation also excluded from DSEI
An Israeli government delegation was also banned from attending the global flagship arms fair, DSEI, in London last week.
A UK Government spokesperson said: "The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong.
"As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025."
However, the ban did not extend to Israeli defence contractors, of which 51 were in attendance at DSEI.
This included Elbit Systems, Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries. The latter two are state-owned.
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