France bans Israeli offensive weapons at Eurosatory defense fair

France has informed the Israeli Defense Ministry that official Israeli participation will not be allowed at this month’s edition of the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, according to the Israeli ministry.

In a press release published Monday, the ministry clarified that the French government had decided to prohibit the establishment of an official Israeli national flag during this show, which is one of the largest international arms shows in Europe.

The ministry added that the French decision also restricted Israeli defense companies from displaying offensive combat systems, only allowing the display of air defense-related products.

He described France’s position as “a shameful decision, which reeks of political and commercial calculation, and which, unfortunately, is not a surprise.”

The president of COGES Events, Charles Beaudouin, relayed by the French press, specified that only Israeli exhibitors presenting anti-ballistic and anti-aircraft defense technologies were authorized to participate.

No official reaction has been issued by Paris at this stage.

Eurosatory, held every two years near Paris, is among the world’s largest defense and security exhibitions, attracting military officials, government officials and defense equipment manufacturers from dozens of countries.

While France is increasing calls for de-escalation, its involvement comes up against direct opposition from Israel.

The Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, declared that Tel Aviv wanted to keep Paris “as far away as possible” from peace negotiations, believing that French diplomacy “is not a positive influence.” This refusal comes as President Emmanuel Macron and Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin are pleading for the inclusion of Lebanon in the ongoing ceasefire dynamic.

The day before, the head of French diplomacy had described Israeli military operations in Lebanon as “extremely worrying”, and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

“Nothing can justify the prolongation of military operations in Lebanon and its ever-deepening occupation of Lebanese territory,” Barrot declared on BFMTV on Sunday, believing that Israel was making “a serious error.”

The French minister also called on Iran and the United States to reach an agreement to reduce tensions, deeming the situation “unsustainable”. He also mentioned a proposed mission aimed at guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the planning of which would be “advanced”, discussions being underway with Tehran and Washington.

Rappel

Regional tensions exploded on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran; Iran responded with salvos of drones and missiles that struck targets across the region as it closed the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire came into effect on April 8 thanks to Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump subsequently extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining a blockade on ships traveling to or from Iranian ports through this strategic waterway.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon and ceasefire

The Israeli army launched intense air strikes on Lebanon on March 2, occupying numerous locations in the south of the country.

The Lebanese government announced during this period that the number of people displaced within the country had exceeded one million.

US President Donald Trump announced in a statement on April 24 that the 10-day temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which came into effect on April 17, had been extended for another three weeks.

At the end of the third round of talks held on May 14 and 15 between Lebanon and Israel under the mediation of the United States, it was decided to extend the ceasefire by 45 days from May 17 and to hold a fourth round of negotiations at the beginning of June.

Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli army continues its attacks and house demolitions in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah carries out attacks against Israeli troops on the grounds that they are violating the truce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also declared on May 25 that he had instructed the army to intensify attacks against Lebanon.