A prestigious British defense college is excluding Israeli students from attending, officials confirmed Monday, in a decision that Israel’s military has condemned as “disgraceful.”
From next year, Israelis will not be able to attend programs at the Royal College of Defence Studies, in London, which offers professional defense and security education to members of the British armed forces and some 50 countries that are allies of the U.K.
The IDF’s current top spokesman, Effie Defrin, is a college alumnus.
Related Articles
Close
A pro-Palestinian march in central London, earlier in September. Credit: Justin Tallis/AFP
A pro-Palestinian march in central London, earlier in September. Credit: Justin Tallis/AFP
“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,” London’s Defence Ministry 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 cease-fire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”
Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, director general of Israel’s Defense Ministry, called the decision a “disgraceful break with Britain’s proud tradition of tolerance” in an open letter sent to the U.K. government. The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed Monday that the letter was sent last week.
Haaretz Weekly’Playing with fire’: How Israel’s attack in Qatar has likely exploded hopes of ending the Gaza war
play
Haaretz Weekly
‘Playing with fire’: How Israel’s attack in Qatar has likely exploded hopes of ending the Gaza war
Volume: 0.5
1X
total– : –time0:00
fast forward15
play
rewind15
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.
The college is led by a commandant from the U.K. forces and senior serving and retired officers, according to its website.