The prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies in London has been urged to lift its “dishonourable” ban on Israeli students following the Gaza peace deal.

Critics of the restriction said it was completely unjustified, especially in the wake of the ceasefire and the prospects of a more permanent peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.

They have urged John Healey, the Defence Secretary, to reverse the prohibition on Israelis attending the academy from next year, which was confirmed by the Government last month.

Amir Baram, the director general of Israel’s defence ministry, who studied at the college himself, said the decision was “a profoundly dishonourable act of disloyalty to an ally at war”.

On Friday, the campaign group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), wrote to Mr Healey saying it intends to mount a legal challenge to the ban unless it is lifted.