France Bars Israeli Companies from Eurosatory Defense Show Over Gaza Conflict

 France has prohibited Israeli companies from participating in Eurosatory, Europe’s largest defense exhibition, due to Israel's military actions in Gaza. The French Armed Forces Ministry stated that "conditions are no longer suited" for Israeli companies to attend, aligning with French President Emmanuel Macron's calls for Israel to cease operations in Rafah.

President Macron has expressed outrage over Israeli strikes in Rafah, which have resulted in numerous casualties. This decision reflects ongoing debates in France regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the country's defense exports to Israel. Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu has faced multiple inquiries from lawmakers about these exports.

Over 70 Israeli companies, including major firms like Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael Advance Defense Systems, were set to participate in the show starting June 17. Elbit had planned to showcase its PULS multiple-rocket launcher and Sigma next-generation howitzer.

In compliance with the French government's decision, there will be no representation from the Israeli defense industry at Eurosatory 2024, as confirmed by the event organizer Coges Events.

Israel, the world's ninth-largest arms exporter, saw its defense exports rise to a record $12.5 billion in 2022, with $3.67 billion in sales to Europe. Unmanned aerial vehicles and related systems comprised a significant portion of these exports, followed by missiles, rockets, and air-defense systems.