News
September 16, 2025
Barring Israeli soldiers from the Royal College of Defence Studies is a mistake
The government has announced that owing to the war in Gaza, students from the Israeli Defence Forces will no longer...What to read next: Trump is living in Putin’s world | Rachel Reeves: destroyer of jobs | The long history of Peter Mandelson’s scandals | Cutting prison education is a calamity
The government's recent decision to bar students from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) from attending the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) has sparked considerable debate and raised questions about the UK's commitment to international military cooperation. The announcement, made in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, effectively suspends the participation of Israeli military personnel in the RCDS's highly regarded programs.
The RCDS, a globally recognized institution, provides strategic leadership development for senior military officers and civilian officials from the UK and allied nations. Its curriculum focuses on international security, defence policy, and strategic thinking, aiming to equip future leaders with the skills necessary to navigate complex global challenges. The inclusion of international students, including those from the IDF, has historically been seen as a valuable component of the college's mission, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting dialogue between different perspectives.
The government's rationale for the ban centers on concerns related to the war in Gaza. While specific details remain undisclosed, it is understood that the decision reflects a desire to avoid any perceived endorsement of the IDF's actions in the conflict and to ensure that the UK's stance on the situation remains impartial.
However, critics argue that barring Israeli soldiers from the RCDS is a misguided approach that ultimately undermines the UK's own interests. They contend that excluding the IDF from this crucial forum for strategic dialogue could hinder opportunities for constructive engagement and limit the UK's ability to influence Israeli military policy. Furthermore, some worry that this decision sets a precedent for excluding military personnel from other countries involved in conflicts, potentially jeopardizing the RCDS's international standing and its ability to serve as a platform for fostering cooperation and understanding. The long-term implications of this policy shift remain to be seen, but it has undoubtedly ignited a complex discussion about the balance between upholding ethical principles and maintaining vital channels of communication with key international partners.
The RCDS, a globally recognized institution, provides strategic leadership development for senior military officers and civilian officials from the UK and allied nations. Its curriculum focuses on international security, defence policy, and strategic thinking, aiming to equip future leaders with the skills necessary to navigate complex global challenges. The inclusion of international students, including those from the IDF, has historically been seen as a valuable component of the college's mission, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting dialogue between different perspectives.
The government's rationale for the ban centers on concerns related to the war in Gaza. While specific details remain undisclosed, it is understood that the decision reflects a desire to avoid any perceived endorsement of the IDF's actions in the conflict and to ensure that the UK's stance on the situation remains impartial.
However, critics argue that barring Israeli soldiers from the RCDS is a misguided approach that ultimately undermines the UK's own interests. They contend that excluding the IDF from this crucial forum for strategic dialogue could hinder opportunities for constructive engagement and limit the UK's ability to influence Israeli military policy. Furthermore, some worry that this decision sets a precedent for excluding military personnel from other countries involved in conflicts, potentially jeopardizing the RCDS's international standing and its ability to serve as a platform for fostering cooperation and understanding. The long-term implications of this policy shift remain to be seen, but it has undoubtedly ignited a complex discussion about the balance between upholding ethical principles and maintaining vital channels of communication with key international partners.
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World