The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently undergoing training on UK-based military courses as part of routine international defence engagement.
The confirmation came in response to a written parliamentary question from Rachael Maskell MP, who asked when Israeli forces were last trained by UK personnel.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Luke Pollard MP, replied: “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.”
The UK routinely hosts personnel from a wide range of international partners on military training and education programmes. These include courses at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Defence Studies, and specialised training delivered by the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Nations participating in such programmes span NATO allies, Commonwealth partners, and selected non-NATO states under established defence cooperation agreements.
Training offered by the UK Armed Forces includes instruction on leadership, logistics, engineering, strategic planning, cyber defence, aviation and maritime operations. Such engagements are typically part of longstanding bilateral or multilateral defence relationships and are intended to foster interoperability, shared understanding, and professional development.
In this context, the training of Israeli personnel is not considered unusual, particularly given the UK’s participation in international defence initiatives in which Israel is also involved. One such example is the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme, where both countries are key stakeholders. Questions have recently been raised in Parliament regarding Israel’s continued participation in the F-35 global sustainment system amid heightened political sensitivities.
Minister of State for Defence, Maria Eagle MP, was asked whether the UK supports Israel’s inclusion in the F-35 global spares pool. She responded: “Conversations with F-35 Partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues; however, I am unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.”
No further details have been provided by the Ministry of Defence regarding the specific nature, duration or content of the training being provided to Israeli personnel.
The UK’s international defence education and training framework has long been regarded as a soft power tool, providing a platform for defence diplomacy and building long-term relationships with foreign militaries. According to the MoD, all overseas training activity is conducted in accordance with UK arms export and defence engagement policies, and subject to ministerial oversight.
