Israeli companies were reportedly prohibited from showcasing weapons used in Gaza at the Paris Air Show.
Israel has strongly criticized France for preventing several of its arms manufacturers from displaying their products at the Paris Air Show, denouncing the action as anti-Semitic, discriminatory, and politically motivated.
According to reports, French authorities instructed that black screens be placed around certain Israeli weapons displays on Monday, citing violations of an agreement not to exhibit “offensive weapons,” including those deployed in Gaza.
Acting on government instructions, the Paris Air Show’s organizers covered the stands of Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Elbit Systems, UVision, and Aeronautics. A French government source informed the media that the companies had reneged on a prior agreement limiting such displays.
Reportedly among the concealed items were air-to-surface munitions and drone models from Elbit and Bluebird Aero Systems. Three smaller Israeli stands lacking visible hardware, along with a booth for the Israeli Ministry of Defense, remained uncovered.
The French Foreign Ministry defended its action, stating that its position had been “clear and consistent.” While supporting Israel’s defense, including contributions to the Iron Dome, Paris stated that it “cannot accept the promotion of such [offensive] weapons on our national soil.”
The Israeli Defense Ministry condemned the decision as “bluntly anti-Semitic,” accusing France of attempting to stifle competition from Israeli firms.
”The French are using purported political considerations as a pretext to exclude Israeli offensive weapons – which compete with French industries – from an international exhibition,” the ministry asserted.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also spoke out against the move, deeming it “outrageous” and demanding its “immediate correction.” He told French television channel LCI: “It’s like creating an Israeli ghetto.”
The show’s organizer stated they are working to “find a favorable outcome.” The week-long expo at Le Bourget is said to host over 2,400 companies from 48 countries.
This dispute occurs as missile exchanges between Israel and Iran continue for a fourth day, amid rising global concern regarding Israel’s operations in Gaza. On Friday, Israel launched strikes targeting sites it claimed were connected to Iran’s nuclear program, resulting in the deaths of multiple high-ranking military officials. Tehran alleges that 224 individuals have been killed in the attacks since then, with “over 90%” being civilians. At least 21 Israelis have been killed in Iranian retaliatory strikes.
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