French authorities have blocked public access to Israeli defense industry exhibits at the Paris Air Show by surrounding them with black partition walls, citing regulatory compliance amid escalating concerns over Israel’s offensive military hardware.
At a Glance
- France ordered barriers around five Israeli defense company booths at the Paris Air Show
- Israeli companies were barred from displaying offensive weapons to the public
- Israel condemned the move as discriminatory and politically motivated
- French officials defended the decision as a regulatory enforcement tied to Gaza-related sensitivities
- The incident threatens to strain Franco-Israeli diplomatic relations
Diplomatic Tensions Cloaked in Fabric
French security officials overnight erected black walls around Israeli defense firms at the Paris Air Show, including Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael, Elbit Systems, and Uvision. The move came after the companies refused to remove what French regulators deemed “offensive” military equipment from display.
A French government source cited compliance with court-mandated restrictions as justification. While the companies were allowed to attend the show following an appeal, they were ordered to conceal certain weapon systems. The restrictions followed France’s increased scrutiny of arms displays due to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Israeli Outrage Over ‘Ghetto Walls’
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the partitions as “outrageous,” with Israeli media comparing the isolation to ghettoization. Defense firms criticized the move as politically biased and economically motivated, asserting it handed competitors an unfair advantage.
France Defends Its Stance
French Prime Minister François Bayrou responded that the actions were in line with conditions agreed upon after legal intervention. He emphasized that the government was obligated to prevent public access to certain offensive hardware, particularly amid widespread European condemnation of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Officials noted that only weapon systems deemed “offensive” were restricted, while Israeli communications and drone tech were left publicly accessible.
Broader Implications
The partitioning has sparked diplomatic backlash and may foreshadow a new era of arms trade politics in Europe. As global scrutiny mounts over military engagements in the Middle East, symbolic acts like this serve as both protest and precedent—signaling that even long-time allies like France are reassessing their defense relationships in real time.
