Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

UK Blocks Israel from Elite Defense Academy


(MENAFN) The United Kingdom will no longer allow Israeli officials to attend one of its premier defense institutions, the Royal College of Defence Studies, citing Israel's actions in Gaza, media reported on Sunday.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed that, starting next year, Israel will be excluded from the prestigious academy, which has been training senior military officers and government leaders worldwide since 1927.

This decision marks the first time that Israeli nationals have been denied access to the college, which was established under Winston Churchill’s vision of promoting global understanding between military and civilian leaders.

A Ministry of Defense spokesperson condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as "wrong," explaining that the government’s move to revoke access to the college was a direct consequence of those actions.

The decision has sparked strong backlash in Israel. Amir Baram, the director general of Israel’s Defense Ministry and a former graduate of the institution, called the move "a profoundly dishonorable act of disloyalty to an ally at war."

In his letter to the Ministry of Defense, Baram described the move as "a discriminatory act" and condemned it as "a disgraceful break with Britain's proud tradition of tolerance and plain decency."

MENAFN15092025000045017169ID1110061074

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Search