France Restricts Israeli Defense Firms at Air Show

(MENAFN) Israel has sharply criticized France for limiting the participation of several Israeli arms producers at the Paris Air Show, describing the action as "anti-Semitic," "discriminatory," and politically motivated.

The incident has sparked diplomatic friction between the two nations.

As reported by various news outlets, French authorities instructed event staff to erect black partitions around several Israeli defense exhibits on Monday.

The decision was justified on the grounds that the involved companies had breached a prior agreement prohibiting the display of "offensive weapons," particularly those reportedly utilized in Gaza.

In compliance with directives from the French government, organizers concealed the booths of five major Israeli firms: Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Elbit Systems, UVision, and Aeronautics.

A French official stated that these manufacturers had failed to adhere to an earlier understanding limiting the exposure of specific military products.

Among the items hidden from view were air-to-surface missiles and drone models developed by Elbit and Bluebird Aero Systems.

Nevertheless, three smaller Israeli displays without obvious equipment, as well as a pavilion operated by Israel’s Ministry of Defense, remained accessible to visitors.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stood by the decision, asserting that its stance has been “clear and consistent.”

While affirming its backing of Israel’s right to self-defense — including assistance in the Iron Dome system — Paris emphasized that it “cannot accept the promotion of such [offensive] weapons on our national soil.”

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