'Israel's' Eurosatory ban affecting small security firms

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
6 Jun 2024 14:46

France's ban on Israeli security companies from attending the Eurosatory event has affected seven small Israeli firms.

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Eurosatory, a global event for Defence & Security professionals. (Eurosatory official)

The French government recently decided to exclude Israeli representatives from participating in the security and defense event Eurosatory, scheduled to commence in Paris on June 17.

According to a recent report, major corporations are relatively unfazed due to their substantial revenue, but the repercussions weigh heavily on numerous small companies, resulting in significant losses and a missed chance to showcase their products.

The political leadership did not signal the formation of a formal procedure, resulting in "Israel" being excluded from a significantly more crucial exhibition in Paris, where 74 Israeli companies had intended to participate. That said, the world media is likely going to showcase images of empty pavilions in Paris, as spaces for such exhibitions are typically reserved a year in advance.

Among the 74 Israeli companies due to participate in the Paris defense exhibition, 90% were through the Ministry of Security Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT).

Maintaining calm in Paris

Macron's decision, possibly influenced by the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris in July and the desire to maintain calm in the French capital until then would likely affect the industry. The French government's adoption of a defense boycott could pave the way for more anti-"Israel" measures.

On a related note, in March, the Chilean government, led by President Gabriel Boric, known for its pro-Palestine stance, excluded "Israel" from the prominent FIDAE air show in Latin America, held in April.

This comes amid a wave of Israeli bans around the world, in solidarity with Palestine.

Earlier this week, the Maldivian presidential office announced plans to ban Israelis from the country amid public outrage it has expressed due to the Israeli occupation's genocide in Gaza, the Associated Press reported.

The presidential office announced that country laws will be amended to ban people holding Israeli passports from entering the archipelago, with a special committee being formed to oversee the process.