A UK defense college has barred Israeli students, a move condemned by Israel’s military as “disgraceful,” igniting diplomatic tensions and criticism.
The Royal College of Defence Studies in London, which provides professional defense and security education to members of the British armed forces and about 50 other nations who are friends of the United Kingdom, will no longer accept Israeli students starting next year.
“U.K. military educational courses have long been open to personnel from a wide range of countries, with all U.K. military courses emphasizing compliance with international humanitarian law,”
the Ministry of Defence in London said in a statement Monday.
“However, the Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,”
it added.
“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.”
In an open letter to the U.K. government, Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, director general of Israel's Ministry of Defense, described the decision as a "disgraceful break with Britain's proud tradition of tolerance."
The letter was sent last week, according to confirmation from the Israeli Defense Ministry on Monday.
Baram, who said he is a proud alumnus of the college, added:
“Israel’s exclusion is a profoundly dishonorable act of disloyalty to an ally at war.”
“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,”
he wrote.
According to its website, top active and retired officers, along with a commandant from the U.K. forces, lead the institution. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues and the humanitarian situation for civilian populations deteriorates, Britain, as well as similar Western allies of Israel, has started to criticize Israeli policy in Gaza directly.
What immediate diplomatic steps is Israel taking?
The Israeli security cabinet has ratified steps to bolster military holds, especially in Gaza City, amid growing international backlash. Israeli officials explained there was a need to “prosecute Hamas and protect their national security.”
The diplomatic contact remains robust, including with Qatar and the Gulf, even as tensions escalate after the Israeli airstrike in Doha which was condemned by the international community.
Israel wants to maintain important relationships in the region, especially with countries with whom they have extensive defense relationships that rely on U.S. security guarantees, while pushing against sanctions and any type of political exposure.
In this effort, Israel also is trying to maintain open lines of communication with GCC and specific Arab states aligned against escalation of violence in the region.