29-07-2025
London college teaching Israeli soldiers during Gaza genocide revealed
Following months of stonewalling from ministers and officials from two consecutive UK governments, it has been revealed by Declassified that the London-based Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) has been training Israeli army officers.
At least two Israeli colonels have attended the British military academy in central London during the war on Gaza since October 7, 2023.
It has been reported that one of the soldiers, thought to be Elad Edri, only graduated a fortnight ago.
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Meanwhile, Yeftah Norkin, another officer, has led a division of the Israeli military in its invasion of Lebanon after completing a course at the college in 2024.
Norkin, who comes from an influential military family, reportedly commanded a unit during Israel's 2008-9 war on Gaza, which killed hundreds of children.
RCDS is regarded as a prestigious institution for military learning and mentors mid-ranking troops who aim to climb the chain of command and awards them with a certificate for international security studies.
The institution describes itself as 'a world-renowned institution committed to developing strategic thinkers… who have the potential to reach the highest ranks'.
Meanwhile, RCDS alumni include prominent figures within the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) including former spokesperson and Major General Hidai Zilberman and previous Chief of Staff of Israel's Southern Command, General Harel Knfao.
The investigation by Declassified comes after it was revealed in June that the UK is hosting and training soldiers from the IDF despite allegations that the military is engaged in genocide in Palestine.
(Image: Google Maps)
Confirmation that the UK was training Israeli troops came after Labour MP for York Central Rachael Maskell submitted a written question at Westminster which asked, 'when the last time was that a member of the Israel Defense Forces was trained by the UK armed forces'.
In a response, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard admitted that the UK was 'currently' training IDF soldiers in the UK.
Pollard said: 'As part of routine defence engagement with Israel, the UK is currently training a limited number of Israel Defense Forces personnel on UK-based training courses.'
MPs were also recently told that 'less than five' Israeli troops were studying in the UK on 'academic courses' at undisclosed locations.
Declassified said they were repeatedly refused the information about which institutions were teaching IFD soldiers until last week, when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) disclosed that Israeli troops were being mentored at RCDS.
The Freedom of Information Request said that fewer than five officers had trained at the college in 2023 and 2024 and the MoD did not offer the names and ranks of the officers or provide figures for 2025.
