France bans Israel from weapons show

TEL AVIV: France has barred Israeli officials from attending a major arms exhibition in Paris and has also limited what Israeli companies can display there, according to the French defence ministry.

The ministry said on Monday that Israeli firms taking part in the Eurosatory exhibition would only be allowed to present equipment and materials linked to air defence and missile defence. The event, one of the world’s biggest weapons shows, is due to begin on June 15 and is expected to host more than 2,600 exhibitors.

Israel reacted sharply to the decision. An Israeli defence ministry spokesperson said: “This is a disgraceful decision, one that reeks of political and commercial calculation, and regrettably, it comes as no surprise. It fits a deeply troubling pattern in French conduct in recent years, a pattern that has consistently placed France on the wrong side of history.”

Relations between France and Israel have worsened since late 2023. Paris has criticised Israel’s conduct in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the decision by Israel and the United States to launch a war against Iran. Israel’s right-wing government had also objected to President Emmanuel Macron’s decision last year to recognise Palestinian statehood.