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France shuts down 12 Israeli stands at Eurosatory fair
France decided to shut down 12 Israeli stands at the Eurosatory defense fair near Paris. The organizers said the move was made because the stands did not comply with the participation conditions set by French authorities.
France ensured the closure of 12 Israeli stands at the Eurosatory defense and security fair held near Paris. Organizers said the move was taken because the stands did not comply with the participation conditions set by French authorities.
Charles Beaudouin, head of the fair organizer Coges Events, said the decision was implemented because the provisions set by French authorities had to be enforced. Beaudouin confirmed that 12 stands were closed as a result.
France had limited Israel's participation
France had banned Israel from displaying offensive weapons at the 2026 edition of the fair, limiting participation to equipment and products related solely to air defense and ballistic missile defense.
Nevertheless, Israel's Ministry of Defense argued that the companies had complied with the demands French officials described as "heavy," yet the pavilions were closed.
According to Le Monde, three major Israeli defense companies, including Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael, kept their stands open. However, unlike participants from other countries, no weapon models were displayed to the public in these areas.
Protest at the fair, tension outside
Anti-war activists also staged a demonstration outside the fairground. The protesters chanted slogans targeting imperialism and Israel's war in Gaza.
The latest tension is another chapter in the ongoing strain between France and Israel. France recognized the State of Palestine last year; in recent weeks, two Israeli ministers were denied entry to the country.
Calls for pressure within the EU are growing
Pressure on Israel appears to be mounting in Europe as well. Spain, Ireland, and some other European Union members have called for the EU to suspend its partnership agreement with Israel, citing repeated violations of international law. Belgium, Slovenia, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Sweden are among the countries supporting similar initiatives.
Signed in June 2000, the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement includes a human rights clause that obliges both sides to respect fundamental rights and democratic principles. A review reportedly found clear indications that Israel is not complying with these obligations.
Furthermore, some EU countries are calling for a bloc-wide ban on trade with illegal settlements, as Israel continues to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank and seize Palestinian lands. Calls for Israel to be barred from international sports and cultural events are also growing stronger.
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