“France's decision includes: a ban on the participation of government representatives in the exhibition; a ban on the opening of the Israeli national pavilion; and limiting the participation of the Israeli defense industry only to the presentation of air defense systems, with the express exclusion of offensive systems,” the Israeli Defense Ministry said in a statement.
“Therefore, the ministry will not be able to take part in the exhibition or organize the national pavilion,” the statement added.
A representative of the French Ministry of Armed Forces confirmed the ban in an interview with POLITICO and said that Israeli companies presenting only air and anti-missile defense systems will be able to take part in the event.
Eurosatory starts on June 15 in Villepinte in the Paris region. The arms fair is an opportunity for the world's largest arms manufacturers, such as German Rheinmetall, American Lockheed Martin or South Korean Hanwha Aerospace, to present their military equipment, including tanks, artillery systems and rocket launchers.
France condemns Israel's actions
This decision is likely to further deepen the ongoing conflict that has been going on for months diplomatic conflict between France and Israelwhich intensified when Paris recognized Palestinian statehood last September. In March, Israel announced it was suspending all defense purchases from France.
“This is a shameful decision that smacks of political and commercial self-serving,” the Israeli Defense Ministry said in a statement, suggesting that France bans Israeli companies from participating also because they compete with French industry.
