Israel criticises France over restricted defence expo participation

Israel on Tuesday sharply criticised France over its decision to limit Israel’s participation in the Eurosatory defence exhibition, due to take place in Paris in mid-June.

In a statement on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry described France’s decision to exclude Israel from parts of the exhibition as “discriminatory, politically motivated, and deeply disappointing.” 

The ministry said that France has, once again, chosen politics over principles.

On Monday evening, Israel’s Defence Ministry said French authorities had informed it that Israel would not be allowed to set up a national pavilion at the exhibition and that government representatives would be barred from attending.

READ: France bars official Israeli participation in Eurosatory defence exhibition

The ministry said: “This policy is applied selectively and discriminatorily relative to other participating nations – in direct violation of the established norms governing international defence exhibitions.”

It described the decision as a “disgraceful decision, one that reeks of ​political and commercial calculation, and regrettably, it comes as no ​surprise,” 

As of 20:45 GMT on Tuesday, French authorities had not issued an official response.

Relations between Israel and France have deteriorated amid Paris’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and its war in Lebanon.

Last year, Israel strongly protested against France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state.

READ: New Zealand bans entry of extremist settlers