PARIS — In response to the escalating conflict in Gaza and increased tensions in the Middle East, France’s government has mandated the construction of black partition walls around Israeli defense industry booths at the Paris Air Show. The exhibits showcasing offensive weapons have been specifically targeted by this decision. This move has prompted the Israeli Defense Ministry to request a reversal.
Recently, a French appeals court dismissed efforts by activist groups attempting to prevent Israeli companies from participating in the event due to Israel’s military activities in Gaza. The Paris Air Show, taking place at Le Bourget, is recognized globally as one of the leading forums for aerospace and defense industry showcases.
These partitions emerged suddenly before the event commenced, effectively isolating Israeli exhibitors from the other global participants. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou justified this decision, allowing Israeli companies to display aviation technology but barring offensive arms, in light of the regional tensions and France’s diplomatic stance concerning Gaza.
Bayrou emphasized that both the Israeli Embassy and the concerned companies were alerted of these restrictions beforehand, yet compliance was incomplete. As a result, some displays were concealed, a measure he referred to as hopefully temporary.
The Israeli Defense Ministry criticized the timeline of France’s demand, which required last-minute adjustments to the exhibition displays. The ministry accused France of using political justifications to discriminate against Israeli military products that rival French ones, deeming the act “ugly and improper.”
Interestingly, the Paris Air Show hosts various displays of offensive weaponry, prominently featuring French military technology such as Rafale fighter jets and cruise missiles. The event was officially inaugurated by Bayrou on Monday.
Contrary to the last-minute interventions, it’s reported by a French official that the Israeli companies were notified weeks prior about restrictions on offensive weaponry exhibitions. The partitions were considered a final measure as some firms did not adhere to the guidelines, whereas others complied and continued to exhibit their non-offensive technologies. The official statement was given under the condition of anonymity.
Bayrou also highlighted a differentiation between Israel’s actions against Iran and its operations in Gaza. He expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential risks for global stability, but also acknowledged the distress and repulsion that Israel’s actions in Gaza have caused among many French citizens, including Israel’s allies.
Since the onset of hostilities following attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel’s military response and the resulting humanitarian aid blockade have sparked protests and unease in France.
The responsibility for deciding exhibitor participation at the air show rests with the French government, according to the event’s organizers. An incident of protest was noted when two women, dissatisfied with the French decision, defaced the partitions surrounding an Israeli company’s stand with an Israeli flag and graffiti. Security was quick to cover up the markings.
Shlomo Toaff, representing Israeli company Rafael’s air defense division, found himself unable to access his company’s exhibit on Monday, intending to seek legal intervention to regain entry. He defended the use of these weapons as lawful, aimed at safeguarding Israeli citizens and liberating hostages, expressing hope for the reopening of their displays.
Toaff further opined that proponents of freedom, commerce, and expression should be incensed by this imposition. Meanwhile, a small group of activists staged a protest outside the venue, arguing that the French government’s actions did not suffice. They condemned both Israel’s operations in Gaza and the involvement of countries and companies that support the Israeli defense industry.