Israeli individuals would be prohibited from registering at a renowned government-operated defense studies institution in London due to the conflict in Gaza, as reported by UK media on Monday.
The Royal College of military Studies, supervised by the army ministry, would prohibit Israeli students starting next year, as reported by The Times and Telegraph newspapers.
The postgraduate college affiliated with the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom provides training for “strategic thinkers and leaders within the armed forces and civil service,” as stated on its website, permitting overseas students to enroll in select courses.
In June, a UK Ministry of Defence official disclosed to Parliament that the institution was offering “non-combat academic courses” to “fewer than five” personnel of the Israeli military.
The ministry did not promptly respond to an AFP inquiry for commentary.
Amir Baram, the director general of Israel’s defense ministry and an alumnus of the college, condemned the decision as a “discriminatory act” and “disloyalty to an ally at war.”
“Israel’s exclusion is, in essence, an act of self-sabotage regarding British security,” Baram, a senior Israeli military officer, allegedly stated in a letter to the UK Defence Ministry.
The United Kingdom has restricted certain arms export licenses to Israel for munitions utilized in Gaza; however, specific UK-manufactured components, including parts for Israeli F-35 fighter jets, remain exempt.
Last week, Israeli officials were prohibited from attending a significant arms show in London as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to distance his country from Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Nonetheless, 51 Israeli defense firms participated in the exhibition, including prominent armaments maker Elbit, inciting a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the venue.
London has condemned Israel’s recent efforts to intensify its nearly two-year military campaign in Gaza as “incorrect”.
