A source told Reuters that the closures followed Israeli firms’ failure to comply with French security orders to remove certain kinetic weapons from their displays.
LE BOURGET, France – France has shut down the four main Israeli defence company stands at the Paris Airshow for displaying offensive weapons, a move Israel has condemned as “outrageous and unprecedented.”
A source told Reuters that the closures followed Israeli firms’ failure to comply with French security orders to remove certain kinetic weapons from their displays. Gifas, the show’s organiser, confirmed some closures but declined further comment.
While three smaller Israeli booths and the Israeli Ministry of Defence stand remain open, the main pavilions were sealed off with black partitions overnight.
“This outrageous and unprecedented decision reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations,” Israel’s defence ministry said, accusing France of excluding Israeli arms to protect its own industry.
Relations between the allies have recently chilled, with French President Emmanuel Macron critical of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Following Israel’s recent missile strikes on Iran, Macron urged restraint while condemning Tehran’s destabilizing actions.
The closure underscores rising diplomatic and commercial tensions between the nations.
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**EXTRACT SUGGESTIONS:**
* “This outrageous and unprecedented decision reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations.”
* “The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons.”
* “French authorities instructed Israeli firms to remove offensive weapons; firms refused.”