France has restricted Israeli companies from fully participating in a major international defense exhibition in Paris, drawing a sharp response from Tel Aviv.
According to international media outlets, French authorities erected black partitions around the Israeli pavilion, effectively concealing its defense products from public view.
The restriction, issued just a day before the event opened, specifically barred Israel from showcasing offensive weaponry. Israeli officials have strongly condemned the move, calling it a “politically biased” decision.
Amir Bramm, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, denounced the measure as “unfair and provocative,” accusing France of deliberately sidelining Israeli companies to limit their access to the European defense market.
“This unprecedented restriction clearly demonstrates how political pressure is seeping into the defense industry — something we consider unacceptable,” said a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
French authorities, on the other hand, defended their decision by citing the heightened sensitivities surrounding the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. They argued that the public display of Israeli offensive weaponry at this time could not be treated as a neutral issue.
In a separate statement, French Foreign Minister Jean Bérault clarified that France “will not provide direct military support or resources to any party involved in the Iran-Israel conflict,” reaffirming France’s commitment to maintaining a neutral stance in line with its defense principles.
The incident has not only triggered a diplomatic rift between France and Israel, but has also reignited broader debates across Europe around transparency, neutrality, and political influence within the defense sector.
