France confirms veto on Israeli offensive arms at defense fair

France has confirmed its decision to ban Israeli companies from exhibiting offensive weaponry at the upcoming Eurosatory International Defense and Security Salon in Paris. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that only defensive equipment will be allowed from Israeli firms participating in the June 15-19 event.

Barrot explained that this restriction aligns with previous French government decisions regarding the presence of the Israeli military industry at defense fairs in the country. "We recognize Israel's right, like any state, to defend itself against the aggressions it is subjected to," Barrot stated, but emphasized that French authorities have communicated to the organizers that only defensive materials can be displayed.

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We recognize Israel's right, like any state, to defend itself against the aggressions it is subjected to.

France maintains that this restriction is consistent with earlier decisions and does not exclude Israeli participation entirely. The French government has repeatedly condemned recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon, calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting after Israeli troops took control of the Beaufort fortress in southern Lebanon and raised their flag.

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this policy is applied selectively and discriminatorily with respect to other participating nations, in clear violation of the established rules governing international defense fairs.

Israel's Ministry of Defense denounced the French policy as "selective and discriminatory" and a "clear political and commercial calculation." This is not the first time France has imposed such restrictions; in 2024, the French government vetoed the participation of dozens of Israeli firms at Eurosatory due to Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Eurosatory is considered one of the world's leading defense and security trade shows, focusing on land and air-land activities. This year's event is expected to feature 2,656 exhibitors from 61 countries and 330 official delegations from 93 countries.

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shameful