France closes Israeli firms’ Paris Air Show stalls, citing ban on “offensive weapons” displays amid Gaza war
of the Paris Air Show and have every right to showcase their products,” Herzog said in a statement. “This discriminatory action is unprecedented and unacceptable.”
Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz also condemned the move, calling it a “dangerous precedent” that undermines the freedom of trade and expression.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid accused France of caving in to pressure from anti-Israel groups and said the decision was a “shame.”
Despite the controversy, the Paris Air Show continued with business as usual, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in the aerospace industry.
Companies from around the world displayed their products, from commercial aircraft to military drones, highlighting the global nature of the event.
French officials reiterated their stance on the ban of offensive weapons at the expo, emphasizing the need to maintain a peaceful and diplomatic environment at the show.
As tensions between Israel and France simmered, the Paris Air Show remained a platform for industry leaders to network, collaborate, and forge new partnerships in the aerospace sector.
The show is expected to draw thousands of visitors and participants over the course of the week, with discussions on the future of aviation and defense dominating the agenda.
Despite the political controversies surrounding the event, the Paris Air Show is set to continue as a symbol of innovation and collaboration in the global aerospace industry.
The decision to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition in Paris has sparked controversy and accusations of creating an Israeli ghetto. The Israeli defense ministry criticized the move, calling it “outrageous and unprecedented” and suggesting that it was driven by political and commercial considerations. The French officials’ decision to ban Israeli companies from the exhibition was seen as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The tension surrounding the presence of Israeli firms at the Paris Air Show was further exacerbated by the recent Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated, with Tehran retaliating with a barrage of missiles. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the daughter of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, criticized the decision to exclude Israeli companies from the trade fair, calling it “absurd.”
Despite the controversy, the Paris Air Show continued with major announcements from aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing. Airbus secured orders for A320neo jets and A350F freighters from Saudi aviation companies, while Boeing focused on supporting its customers following the Air India crash. The Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, India, resulted in the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew.
The trade fair, usually a showcase for the aerospace industry’s latest innovations and big orders, was overshadowed by the political tensions surrounding the Israeli presence. The conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing challenges facing the world were highlighted by French officials and industry leaders at the event. Despite the disruptions and protests, the message of unity and cooperation in addressing global challenges was emphasized.
