France has banned Israeli government representatives from attending the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris this month, according to Israel’s Defence Ministry. The Defence Ministry says France also restricts Israeli weapons manufacturers’ participation. Israeli firms are not allowed to display offensive weapons systems and may only present “air defence products.”
The reported decision is framed as part of wider French actions affecting Israeli officials and companies. One source says the move follows, by about a week, France barring Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering the country after footage circulated showing detained flotilla activists blindfolded and with their hands bound as he looked on. Another outlet also reports that France will not allow Israel to host a national pavilion and instead permits only private companies to display air-defence-related items.
The announcements reported by outlets rely on statements attributed to Israel’s Defence Ministry. No official French position is quoted in the provided excerpts.
