Spain bars Israeli companies from major defense expo
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After a similar decision by France, Spain prohibits Israeli companies from participating in the 2025 International Defence and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) in Madrid.
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A blimp with the massage 'Stop the arms sales to Israel' is carried during a demonstration to show solidarity with Palestinians during a protest march in Madrid, Spain, April 21, 2024 (AP)
Israeli companies are barred from participating in the upcoming 2025 International Defence and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) in Madrid, according to Spanish Defense Secretary Amparo Valcarce.
In a statement, Valcarce emphasized that this move came as part of Spain's commitment to promoting peace in Palestine and Lebanon while upholding international humanitarian law.
The desicion comes as "Israel" persists with its aggression across the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon, including a recent attack wherein Israeli soldiers assaulted international delegates, including Spanish citizens, in the occupied West Bank.
The delegation, which featured former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and European Parliament member Jaume Asens, was present to support Palestinian olive harvesters when they faced tear gas from Israeli occupation forces.
FEINDEF, recognized as one of the world's leading defense fairs, is set to host over 400 companies in Madrid from May 12 to 14.
French court overturns ban of Israeli companies at defense trade fair
According to an AFP report, a Paris commercial court ruled on Wednesday that the French government's decision to exclude Israeli businesses from putting up exhibits or showcasing gear at the Euronaval defense trade expo was invalid.
The court ordered the organizers "to suspend the execution of the measures adopted against the Israeli exhibiting companies whose stands were prohibited at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition until the exhibition's closing date," according to the verdict.
In mid-October, France banned Israeli companies from participating in the upcoming Euronaval trade show, which is set to take place from November 4 to 7.
The ban was the latest diplomatic clash between French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coinciding with the Israeli genocide in Gaza and brutal aggression on Lebanon.
Euronaval is among Europe's largest trade shows focused on naval warfare, featuring companies like BAE Systems, Naval Group, Fincantieri, and KNDS. The event's website indicated that seven Israeli defense contractors, including prominent names like Rafael, Elbit Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries, were scheduled to present their products.
Recently, Macron has repeatedly urged nations to halt weapon deliveries to "Israel" if those arms are utilized in Gaza and Lebanon. He also stated privately that Netanyahu should not "ignore United Nations decisions" because "his country was created by a U.N. decision," remarks that prompted outrage from the Israeli premier.
Read more: Spain cancels ammunition contract with Israeli firm
