Netherlands bars Israeli security firms from NEDS 2025 over Gaza war
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The Netherlands has excluded Israeli defense contractors from the 2025 NEDS exhibition in Rotterdam due to the ongoing war on Gaza, marking a further step in Dutch sanctions against "Israel".
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Reporters gather around Shlomo Toaff, of the Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, at the Paris Air Show, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Le Bourget, north of Paris. (AP)
Organizers of the Netherlands Defence and Security (NEDS) exhibition have decided to bar Israeli defense companies from this year’s event due to the ongoing war on Gaza, Globes reported Thursday.
The annual exhibition, which has long featured some of the Israeli occupation's biggest defense contractors, among them Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael, will not host them in the upcoming November 2025 edition. According to a letter sent to the companies in recent days, the decision was attributed to security concerns and logistical issues.
The move comes as the Netherlands pushes forward with sanctions against “Israel,” including efforts to suspend its participation in the EU Horizon program and reduce bilateral trade. It remains unclear whether the Dutch government officially supports the exhibition organizers’ decision, but Israeli sources confirm the notification was formally delivered this week.
The Netherlands had already halted all direct arms exports to “Israel” months after the Gaza war began, following October 7, in line with a court ruling, though Dutch firms still indirectly supply “Israel” with F-35 fighter jet components via third-party countries.
This latest restriction further narrows the reach of Israeli defense firms in Europe. Earlier this year, some were also banned from the Eurosatory arms fair outside Paris in June.
At last year’s NEDS exhibition, Israel Aerospace Industries showcased its Barak missile defense system, UAVs, and promoted the Arrow system’s achievements, while Elbit displayed naval attack and defense systems, and Rafael presented its Iron Dome technology adapted for military vessels.
The 36th edition of the NEDS exhibition will open in Rotterdam on November 20, 2025.
