France Bars Israeli Arms Displays at Paris Airshow amid Rising Tensions

At the Paris Airshow on Monday, French authorities ordered the closure of major Israeli company stands, including Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI, and Uvision, after they refused to remove attack weapons from display. This move, sharply criticized by Israel, comes as a reflection of increasing diplomatic strains between France and its long-time ally.

Although some smaller Israeli booths and a stand from the Israeli Ministry of Defence remained open those without offensive weapons France enforced its policy of banning the exhibition of such arms. This policy shift aligns with France’s increasingly critical stance on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military actions, particularly in Gaza and broader foreign operations.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but opposed offensive actions such as airstrikes on Iran. The French Prime Minister’s office stated that all participants had been previously informed about the prohibition of attack weapons and that Israel’s embassy had agreed to the terms. The Israeli companies could rejoin the exhibition if they complied.

Israel's Ministry of Defence condemned the late-night intervention, which included erecting black partitions around the Israeli booths, calling the action "unprecedented" and politically motivated. The ministry accused France of hiding behind politics to eliminate competition from Israeli defense firms. Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, likened the blacked-out stalls to dark times in European Jewish history.

The decision also drew criticism from visiting U.S. Republican figures. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders labeled it "absurd," while Senator Katie Britt called it "short-sighted."

Elbit Systems executive Meshar Sasson suggested the move was intended to suppress Israeli technological competition, hinting at Elbit’s recent success in securing European contracts. Rafael similarly described the ban as unjust and politically charged.

Show organizers said they were working with all parties to find a resolution.