British military training Israeli officers in UK amid Gaza war

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Declassified UK
13 Feb 2024 15:15
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Declassified UK reveals that "almost none of this extent of UK military support for Israel" is being reported in the British media.

Israeli occupation forces during the invasion of Gaza in an unkown location in the south of the Strip in November, 2023. (Social media)

The UK announced that it is providing training to Israeli military officers in the country as the war on Gaza nears its 5-month mark with over 100,000 Palestinians recorded killed and injured.

“Israel is represented by Armed Forces personnel in its Embassy in the UK, and as participants in UK defence-led training courses”, British Defense Minister James Heappey has told parliament.

“There are currently six Israeli Armed Forces officers posted in the UK”, he added responding to a written question by Alba MP Kenny MacAskill.

However, Heappey did not specify which units of the Israeli military are being trained in Britain.

The government has earlier admitted that nine Israeli military aircraft have landed in the country since October 7, but refused to disclose the nature of the trips nor if they were holding any cargo.

Declassified UK also reported previously that the British Royal Air Force has sent 48 military aircraft to "Israel" since the occupation entity launched its brutal war on Gaza. It further revealed in January that the UK has carried out 65 spy missions on the Strip from its military and intelligence base on Cyprus.

"Almost none of this extent of UK military support for Israel" is being reported in the British media, Declassified pointed out.

'Periodic exercise'

Last year, the UK's defense ministry admitted its training of Israeli military personnel included medical training, “organizational design and concepts” and “defense education”.

While the ministry refused to disclose the details of the military agreement it signed with "Israel" in 2020, it said the agreement “enshrines ongoing joint training and exercises” contributing to “strengthening military ties”.

In 2019, the Israeli Air Force deployed fighter jets to Britain for the first time. Israeli F-15 warplanes participated in a joint combat exercise with the RAF, alongside aircraft from the German and Italian air forces, the investigative outlet said.

These warplanes have been actively involved in bombing Gaza for several months.

Additionally, it is believed that the UK has military officers stationed in the entity, although specific details are unclear, Declassified reported.

In 2022, the MoD confirmed that it had four military personnel based in the British embassy in "Tel Aviv," carrying out significant activities in Defence Engagement and Diplomacy, albeit not related to military training.

Nonetheless, the ministry stated that "periodically additional UK personnel visit Israel for training, exercises, and engagement purposes."