Israel’s exclusion from the Euronaval defence show in France has stirred up controversy, with the French government’s decision preventing Israeli delegations from setting up stands or exhibiting hardware. This move comes amid escalating tensions between France and Israel, sparked by President Emmanuel Macron’s criticism of civilian casualties in Israeli military campaigns against Hezbollah and Hamas.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant condemned Macron’s actions as a “disgrace” to the values of the free world. Despite the setback, Israeli companies are still welcome to attend Euronaval under certain conditions, impacting seven Israeli firms. This isn’t the first time Israel has faced challenges in participating in defence exhibitions in France, as their presence at Eurosatory was initially banned before being authorized by the courts.
The decision to exclude Israeli delegations has fueled a diplomatic row, with Gallant affirming Israel’s commitment to defending itself against enemies. The situation underscores the complex geopolitics surrounding arms exports and international relations, highlighting the delicate balance between commercial interests and political stances.