UK trains Israeli army officers, defence ministry says

The UK is training people from the Israeli army on UK territory, Ministry of Defence officials have confirmed, the Middle East Eye reported on June 12th.

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard acknowledged the training in response to a question from a Labour MP. He stated: “As part of routine defence engagement with Israel, the UK is currently training a limited number of Israeli Defence Forces personnel on UK-based training courses.”

This training continues despite the UK government’s growing concerns over Israel’s assault on Gaza. Britain has largely supported Israel throughout the conflict, which began in October 2023, despite mounting allegations of genocide and war crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians.

More than 55,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which several governments and many international human rights groups now describe as an act of “genocide.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently called Israel’s aid blockade on Gaza “intolerable,” marking a shift in tone from previous months.

On the diplomatic front, the UK’s foreign ministry has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering the country. The ministry also froze any assets they hold in Britain. However, the government still faces a backlash for continuing its military support.

Over 300 staff at the Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)  warned Foreign Secretary David Lammy in May about a possible UK “complicity” in the Gaza assault. “In July 2024, staff expressed concern about Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law and potential UK government complicity,” the letter stated. “In the intervening period, the reality of Israel’s disregard for international law has become more stark.”

The letter also criticised ongoing UK arms exports to Israel and highlighted a London visit in April by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, “despite concerns about violations of international law.”

Middle East Eye