Paris Arms Fair blocks Israeli pavilion over offensive weapons display
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Organizers of the Paris Air Show have cited the presence of weaponry considered offensive, rather than defensive, as the reason for the ban.
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Visitors stand at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) booth at the Eurosatory international land and air defense and security trade fair, in Villepinte, a northern suburb of Paris, on June 13, 2022 (AFP)
Organizers of the Paris Air Show blocked the Israeli pavilion on the eve of the event, covering it in black fabric overnight in what has become a highly unusual diplomatic and defense industry dispute.
According to the Israeli occupation’s Security Ministry, the move came after exhibition organizers, acting on behalf of the French government, issued a directive requiring "Israel's" defense industries to remove offensive weapons from their displays, arguing that they violate standard practice at international defense expos.
The blocking action was carried out in the middle of the night, after representatives from the Israeli occupation’s Security Ministry and affiliated companies had already finalized preparations. The pavilion was sealed and concealed with black fabric by the time morning arrived.
The French government has not yet issued a public statement, but officials close to the matter said the decision was tied to concerns over the presence of weaponry considered offensive, rather than defensive, a line French authorities appeared keen to draw amid growing international scrutiny of Israeli arms exports.
Israeli Security Ministry rejects restrictions
At the direction of the Security Ministry Director General, Major General (res.) Amir Baram, the organizers were notified that it “rejects the demand” to remove items from its pavilion.
The Ministry described the move as a “unilateral and unacceptable violation” of international defense exhibition norms.
"This demand contradicts the conduct seen at similar exhibitions worldwide," it stated.
The Paris Air Show, one of the largest and most prestigious defense and aerospace exhibitions in the world, is set to open with dozens of countries and companies represented.
The Israeli regime’s exclusion, or effective silencing, at the event may signal shifting European attitudes as international pressure grows over its military conduct.
Last October, France barred Israeli firms from participating in the Euronaval trade show scheduled for November 4–7. While delegations were permitted to attend, Israeli defense manufacturers were prohibited from displaying any military equipment, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
As of now, the Israeli pavilion remains physically blocked and symbolically sidelined.
