Britain Stops Accepting New Israeli Students at the Royal Defence College Starting from 2026

The British Ministry of Defence (MOD) has decided to prevent Israeli postgraduate students from enrolling in the "Royal College of Defence Studies" starting from September 2026, citing the situation in Gaza as the reason.

The ministry confirmed that the decision will take effect next year, allowing current Israeli students to remain and complete their studies. According to its website, the college, which is part of the UK Defence Academy, provides training for "strategic thinkers and leaders within the armed forces and civil service," where international students are allowed to study specific courses.

The decision comes in light of the Israeli military escalation in Gaza, with a spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence stating: "British Army educational courses have always been available to personnel from a wide range of countries, with all British military courses emphasizing compliance with international humanitarian law." He added: "However, the Israeli government's decision to escalate its military operation in Gaza is a mistake," calling for an "immediate ceasefire."

For his part, the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence, Amir Baram, a graduate of the same college, condemned the decision, describing it as "an act of discrimination" and "a betrayal of an ally in a time of war." According to what was reported by the "The Daily Telegraph," Baram said in a letter to the British Ministry of Defence: "Frankly, excluding Israel is nothing less than a self-sabotaging act for British security."

It is noteworthy that an official from the British Ministry of Defence had informed Parliament last June that the college offers "non-combat academic courses" for "fewer than five" members of the Israeli army.

This move comes in the context of other British measures, as London had previously suspended some export licenses for weapons used in Gaza, while maintaining other British-made parts such as components for Israeli "F-35" warplanes. Israeli officials were also barred from attending a major arms exhibition in London last week, despite the presence of 51 Israeli arms companies, including "Elbit Systems," one of the largest manufacturers, which sparked a pro-Palestinian protest outside the exhibition venue.