Chicago – September 15, 2025
Britain has announced a ban on Israeli nationals from enrolling at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies in London starting next year, in response to the escalating conflict in Gaza.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence cited Israel’s decision to intensify its military operations in Gaza as the rationale for the suspension of Israeli students from this renowned postgraduate institution which educates military and civil service leaders from the UK and worldwide.
Despite the UK’s historic alliance with Israel, the British government has taken measures to pressure Israel to end its military escalation and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that all UK military courses stress compliance with international humanitarian law.
The move has drawn strong criticism from Israel’s Ministry of Defence. Amir Baram, its Director General and a former student of the college, condemned the ban as “discriminatory” and a “dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war.”
Currently, fewer than five Israeli Defence Forces personnel attend non-combat military academic courses in the UK. This decision aligns with earlier UK restrictions on Israeli officials amid the Gaza conflict.
The ban marks a significant and symbolic diplomatic statement amidst widening tensions over the Gaza crisis.
