In a bold diplomatic move, France has barred four leading Israeli arms companies from fully participating in the Paris Air Show, escalating tensions between the two nations over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, according to the Financial Times.
According to the Financial Times, Israeli defense giants Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Uvision were instructed to conceal their booths behind black partitions after they declined French authorities’ orders to remove displays featuring offensive weapons.
The Israeli Ministry of Defence strongly criticized the decision, labeling it “outrageous and unprecedented.” A spokesperson stated, “This reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations,” accusing France of exploiting political and economic motives to marginalize Israeli firms.
Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, expressed frustration, revealing that attempts to negotiate were dismissed upon their arrival. “This type of behaviour is not acceptable and discriminates against us as Israelis and Jewish people,” Levy remarked.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou, while touring the exhibition, defended the controversial decision by highlighting humanitarian concerns. “What is happening in Gaza is morally unacceptable,” Bayrou declared. “France wanted to send a clear message: offensive weapons have no place at this exhibition.”
This diplomatic incident reflects the growing strain in France-Israel relations. President Emmanuel Macron has vocally condemned Israel’s Gaza operations and reiterated support for a two-state solution—positions sharply opposed by the current Israeli leadership. Still, Macron had previously endorsed Israel’s April airstrike on Iran, defending it as a necessary response to nuclear threats.
The Paris Air Show, a prestigious event in the global defense industry, has now become a symbolic battleground for deeper international divisions over the Gaza crisis.
