Paris/ PNN
In a move that has sparked new tensions between France and Israel, the French government has decided to prohibit Israeli companies from participating in the upcoming Euronaval maritime weapons exhibition, scheduled for November.
Exhibition organizers stated that the French government informed them on Tuesday of its decision to allow Israeli delegations to attend Euronaval 2024, but without booths or equipment displays, noting that "the decision pertains to seven Israeli companies."
Organizers emphasized that "Euronaval is prepared to welcome every company and visitor in accordance with international and governmental guidelines," noting that the 29th edition of the exhibition, taking place from November 4 to 7, is set to host around 500 companies and 22,000 visitors.
This decision follows a similar ban four months ago when France prohibited Israeli companies from participating in the Eurosatory arms exhibition in Paris, as part of its efforts to pressure Tel Aviv to end its military operations in Gaza.
The move also comes at a sensitive time, with diplomatic relations between the two countries experiencing rising tensions, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron called for a ban on the supply of arms that could be used in the conflict in Gaza.
Euronaval is regarded as the leading global exhibition for maritime weapons, and Israeli company "Masanot Yisrael" was set to participate, planning to establish a large booth covering several square meters to showcase its products, including the "Rashiv 80" vessel and the "Mini Shaldag," designed for surveillance and interception missions, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Calcalist.
Commenting on the French ban, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that it is "shameful" for Paris not to host any Israeli booths or equipment at the upcoming Euronaval exhibition dedicated to maritime defense, following the French government's request.
In a post on X, Gallant wrote, "the actions of President Emmanuel Macron are a disgrace to the French nation and the values of the free world that he claims to support. The decision to discriminate against Israeli defense industries in France for the second time aids Israel's enemies during wartime," asserting that France has "adopted and consistently applies an antagonistic policy toward the Jewish people."
Masanot Yisrael announced its intention to oppose the French decision through legal means, considering the ruling an unacceptable form of discrimination against the company.
Eitan Tsuker, the company's CEO, stated, "this is the second time that Israeli companies have been barred from participating in international arms exhibitions in France, in addition to a creeping and silent ban on purchasing Israeli weapons."
Tsuker emphasized the need to enhance Israel's domestic defense capabilities under these circumstances, saying, "We must rely on our own capabilities and develop our independent defense industries."
In addition to the legal action led by Masanot Yisrael, the Israeli Manufacturers' Association is also seeking to file a lawsuit against the French decision. Ron Tomer, the association's president, stated that this action is "unjust" and contradicts global trade rules.
Tomer noted that while the French government allowed Israeli delegations to attend, it did not permit them to showcase their products, which he described as a "harsh decision." He expressed concern that this policy could prevent Israeli companies from participating in other future exhibitions, including the upcoming Air Show in Paris next year, saying, "If we do not succeed in this battle, Macron will repeat this step against us at the Air Show."
It is worth mentioning that this French action comes amid a politically and diplomatically charged international atmosphere, with ongoing tensions in the Middle East complicating relations between Paris and Tel Aviv, placing the future of trade and security cooperation between the two countries in jeopardy.
