France has informed Israel’s Defense Ministry that Israel will not be allowed to take part officially in the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris later this month, Channel 14 reported.
The decision means Israel will not be permitted to open a national pavilion at the exhibition. It also bars official Israeli government representatives from participating and prevents Israeli defense companies from displaying offensive weapons systems, while allowing only air defense products.
Israel’s Defense Ministry strongly condemned the French move, calling it “shameful” and saying it carries a heavy smell of political and commercial motives.
According to the ministry, the French decision is discriminatory because it applies restrictions on Israeli defense industries that are not imposed equally on other countries. The ministry said the move violates accepted norms at international defense exhibitions.