The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), part of the Ministry of Defence, is facing serious questions regarding its decision not to admit Israeli students for the forthcoming academic year.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) and British Friends of Israel (BFI) have requested that the Ministry of Defence reconsider the policy, arguing that the decision appears to be discriminatory and unlawful.

Key concerns include:

• Discrimination – The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on the basis of nationality. A blanket exclusion of Israelis (including those residing in the UK or dual nationals) appears to breach this protection.
• Double standards – RCDS has long accepted students from countries with dire human rights records, including Malaysia, Nigeria, Turkey, Zimbabwe, China, Pakistan and Myanmar. Many of these governments are implicated in repression, atrocities, or support for terrorism. Yet only Israel is subject to blanket exclusion.

A spokesman on behalf of UKLFI and BFI said:

“This decision sets a dangerous precedent. Britain’s reputation for fairness and the rule of law is undermined when one nationality is singled out while others with appalling records on human rights are welcomed. It is discriminatory, unjustifiable, and must be reversed.

Furthermore, the ceasefire in Gaza gives Britain another reason to overturn this regrettable decision. The UK should let Israelis know that they are welcome to study and share their experience at the Royal College.”