LONDON, UK: In a rare diplomatic move, the UK Defence Academy’s Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) has announced that Israeli students will no longer be admitted to its programmes starting from September 2026, citing Israel’s escalating military campaign in Gaza.
The prestigious RCDS, known for training senior military officers, diplomats, and policymakers from across the globe, stated that while current Israeli students will be allowed to complete their courses, no new admissions from Israel will be processed in the future. The decision comes as Britain and other Western governments face growing international pressure to take stronger stances on Israel’s actions in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed and humanitarian conditions remain dire.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence explained that academic programmes at the Defence Academy place strong emphasis on compliance with international humanitarian law, and Israel’s intensifying operations run counter to those principles. The official added that Britain considers the continued escalation in Gaza “wrong” and inconsistent with international norms.
However, the move has sparked anger in Tel Aviv. Major General Amir Baram, Israel’s Director-General of Defence and a former student of the academy, condemned the decision as “a discriminatory act” and “a betrayal of an ally at war.” He warned that excluding Israeli voices from such strategic institutions could weaken Britain’s own defence partnerships.
Analysts believe the development reflects London’s shifting posture on the Gaza conflict, as calls for ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and accountability grow louder across Europe. By barring Israeli students from one of its most respected military colleges, the UK has sent a powerful message — one that underscores the increasing global isolation Israel is facing over its Gaza offensive.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.