Israeli Firms Shunned at Paris Air Show As French District Condemns Gaza Crimes
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Several Israeli company stands at the Paris Air Show were shrouded in black tarps on opening day, following a French decision to shut down their displays over showcasing offensive weaponry — a move that reflects growing global opposition to Tel Aviv’s genocidal war in Gaza.
Israeli defense companies faced visible exclusion at the Paris–Le Bourget Airport as their exhibition stands were covered and access restricted.
French authorities reportedly closed four main Israeli stands over accusations that the companies were promoting offensive arms, stirring sharp Israeli backlash.
The move has further strained French-Israeli relations, already under pressure due to Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza.
This is not the first time France has taken steps to curb Israel’s presence at defense expos.
In a previous attempt, French officials sought to block Israeli participation in an arms fair, a decision overturned only after legal intervention.
Israeli leaders, including prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have harshly criticized such actions, calling them discriminatory and politically motivated.
Despite mounting objections, several major Israeli arms manufacturers remain at the air show, vowing to showcase advanced aerospace technologies.
However, their presence is increasingly controversial amid a broader European backlash against Israel’s crimes in Gaza.
Adding to the pressure, the departmental council of Seine-Saint-Denis — the host region of the air show — formally called for Israel to be barred from the event.
Council President Stephane Troussel announced on social media platform X that he would boycott the show’s protocol opening, which is expected to be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.
“We cannot roll out the red carpet to a state accused by the International Criminal Court of actions that may amount to genocide, while at the same time claiming to be committed to human rights,” Troussel declared.
He confirmed that the council had unanimously adopted a resolution demanding the exclusion of Israeli companies from the event, official recognition of Palestine by France, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and full humanitarian access to the besieged territory.
“We will continue to support our twin cities in Palestine and contribute to the reconstruction of the region,” Troussel added, asserting that “remaining silent and indifferent is no longer an option.”
The French daily 20 Minutes reported that the council’s resolution received unanimous support.
The 55th edition of the Paris Air Show — among the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions — runs from June 16 to 22 in Le Bourget, situated in Seine-Saint-Denis on the outskirts of Paris.
