The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has sparked a diplomatic row by announcing that, starting in 2026, Israeli students will be barred from attending the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in London. This decision, confirmed on September 15, 2025, comes as the war in Gaza continues to escalate and has drawn fierce criticism from Israeli officials, who have described the move as a betrayal of a long-standing ally.
The Royal College of Defence Studies, a cornerstone of British military education, offers postgraduate programs in international strategic studies and professional defense and security education. Its courses are attended by members of the British armed forces as well as military officials and defense professionals from around 50 allied countries. The college is led by a commandant from the UK forces and supported by senior serving and retired officers, according to its official website. Notably, Effie Defrin, the current top spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is an alumnus of the institution, underscoring the historic ties between the UK and Israel within the defense sector, as reported by Haaretz and Reuters.
The UK Ministry of Defence’s decision follows a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In August 2025, Israel announced plans to intensify its military campaign by seeking control of Gaza City, where approximately one million Palestinians have been sheltering. The stated aim was to eliminate the militant group Hamas, which has controlled the enclave for years. This escalation, however, has drawn increasing international scrutiny and condemnation, particularly concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
"The Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong," a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence declared, as cited by Reuters. "We have therefore taken the decision to pause future Israeli participation in UK-run courses." The Ministry’s statement emphasized that all UK military educational courses have long been open to personnel from a wide range of countries, with a particular focus on compliance with international humanitarian law. The spokesperson added, "There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate cease-fire, the return of the hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza."
This is not the first time Britain has taken steps to distance itself from Israeli officialdom amid the Gaza conflict. Earlier in September 2025, the UK barred Israeli officials, though not Israeli defense companies, from participating in its largest arms fair. According to Reuters, fewer than five Israeli Defence Forces personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK, highlighting the relatively small but symbolically significant presence of Israeli students in British defense education.
The reaction from Israel was swift and deeply critical. Amir Baram, director general of Israel's Ministry of Defence and himself a proud alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, sent a strongly worded letter to the college and the UK Ministry of Defence. In the letter, Baram condemned the exclusion as "discriminatory" and "a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war." He wrote, "Israel's exclusion is a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war." Baram further described the decision as "a disgraceful break with Britain's proud tradition of tolerance," and expressed regret that Britain appeared to be "bending under political pressure, turning its back on other democracies in favor of adversaries who seek its downfall." The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the letter was sent in early to mid-September 2025, as detailed by Haaretz.
The UK’s move has ignited debate about the balance between upholding longstanding alliances and responding to the growing international outcry over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Gaza. While Britain remains a close ally of Israel, it has in recent months increased diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government. In July 2025, the UK threatened to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel took concrete steps to alleviate suffering in the enclave—a significant shift in tone from previous years.
Supporters of the UK government’s decision argue that it is consistent with British values and international law. They point to the Ministry of Defence’s insistence that all military courses emphasize compliance with international humanitarian law, and that the UK has a responsibility to use its influence to encourage de-escalation and protect civilians. The Ministry’s call for a diplomatic resolution, an immediate cease-fire, and increased humanitarian aid aligns with broader calls from the United Nations and the European Union, both of which have expressed grave concern over conditions in Gaza and the risk of further escalation.
On the other hand, critics—both within Israel and among some Western defense circles—see the exclusion as a dangerous precedent that could undermine trust and cooperation among allies. They argue that engagement and education are essential tools for building mutual understanding and that isolating Israel at this critical juncture may only deepen divisions. The Israeli response, as articulated by Baram, frames the decision as not only a practical setback but also a symbolic rupture in the fabric of UK-Israel relations. "It is deeply regrettable to see Britain bending under political pressure, turning its back on other democracies in favor of adversaries who seek its downfall," Baram wrote, highlighting fears that such moves could embolden Israel’s adversaries and weaken the Western alliance.
The Royal College of Defence Studies itself has long prided itself on fostering dialogue and cooperation among military leaders from around the world. Its alumni network includes high-ranking officials from NATO, Commonwealth countries, and other key partners. The exclusion of Israeli students, therefore, marks a significant departure from the college’s tradition of inclusivity and international engagement.
For the handful of Israeli Defence Forces personnel currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK, the decision does not affect their immediate status. However, the ban on future participation sends a clear signal about the UK’s shifting stance as the Gaza conflict grinds on. Observers note that the move could have ripple effects across other areas of defense and diplomatic cooperation, particularly as Britain continues to weigh its broader position in the Middle East.
The controversy also comes against the backdrop of large pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London and other major cities, reflecting the intense public interest and emotion surrounding the conflict. According to Haaretz, these protests have added to the political pressure on the UK government to take a firmer stand against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
As the war in Gaza shows no immediate sign of abating, the UK’s decision to exclude Israeli students from its premier defense college stands as a potent symbol of the evolving dynamics between allies, the weight of public opinion, and the enduring struggle to reconcile security interests with humanitarian imperatives. Whether this move will spur diplomatic progress or deepen existing rifts remains to be seen, but for now, it has undeniably altered the landscape of British-Israeli defense relations.