The Israeli government has launched a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against France after several Israeli defense companies were barred from participating in a major arms exhibition in Paris.
The legal action follows what Jerusalem calls an "unjustified and politically motivated" decision to exclude Israeli firms from the international defense expo, despite prior confirmations of their attendance.
Israeli officials believe the move was not merely bureaucratic but a calculated effort by the French government to suppress competition. According to defense ministry sources, Paris is seeking to bolster its own standing in the global arms market and views Israeli innovation in defense technology as a strategic threat to its influence, particularly in Europe and Africa.
The exclusion has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Israeli leaders warning of potential long-term consequences for Franco-Israeli relations. The lawsuit, expected to proceed in international court, aims not only to recover financial losses but also to set a precedent against politicizing defense cooperation in international forums.