Israel vows to fight back after France bans weapon displays at air show
- Black partition walls were erected around Israeli defense booths at the Paris Air Show due to concerns over the display of offensive weapons.
- Israel's Defense Ministry condemned the French government's actions as politically motivated and discriminatory, vowing to legally contest the decision.
- The situation at the air show reflects broader geopolitical tensions arising from ongoing conflicts involving Israel and regional adversaries.
In France, the Paris Air Show opened amidst heightened geopolitical tensions due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran. On June 16, 2025, the French government ordered black partition walls to be erected around the exhibits of five Israeli defense firms, including Elbit Systems and Rafael, effectively isolating them from other participants. The French authorities cited concerns over the display of 'offensive weapons' in light of the ongoing war in Gaza, despite a recent court ruling allowing Israeli participation. Israeli officials condemned this action as politically motivated, asserting it was an attempt to exclude Israeli technologies that compete with those of French industries. Israel's Defense Ministry swiftly announced plans to challenge the French government's decision in court, complaining that the action was both discriminatory and improper. The move came as tensions between Israel and Iran escalated, following Israel's attacks on Iranian military targets just days prior to the air show. The organizers of the air show insisted that final decisions regarding exhibitors were made by the French government rather than the show itself, reinforcing the commercial nature of the event while stressing the political context that influenced these decisions. This incident has sparked broader discussions on international relations and the intersection of defense technology and politics in global exhibitions.