“In a rare and highly symbolic move, French authorities ordered the closure of four Israeli defense company booths at the Paris Air Show. The split of Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and UVision drew immediate reactions from Israeli officials and visiting US lawmakers.
Booths sealed under government directive
The French prime minister’s office confirmed that four major Israeli defense exhibitors were closed behind opaque partitions after they refused to remove offensive weapons from public display. Other smaller Israeli exhibitors and the official Israeli Defense Ministry pavilion remained open, insisting that the closure strictly targets weapons systems.
Officials said all exhibitors were informed of the policy in advance, and that compliance with it would allow the sites to reopen.
Israeli officials condemn “discriminatory” measures
Israeli Defense Ministry sources called the action Calling it “insulting and unprecedented,” France accused Israel of shielding its own defense manufacturers from competition.
**IAI CEO, *Boz Levi*, strongly criticized the decision:
“The black division is a reminder of the dark days when Jews were isolated from European society.”
Elbit Systems Senior Vice President Meshar Sasson added:
“If you can’t beat them in technology, hide them, right? Because there’s no other explanation.”
U.S. Republican delegation expresses outrage
A delegation of U.S. Republican lawmakers attending the airshow strongly opposed the closure.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) called the move “absurd,” while Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) called it “short-sighted,” warning that it could undermine transatlantic defense cooperation.
France signals strategic reassessment
France’s actions reflect a deliberate shift in defense diplomacy and regional posture. Reuters reports that Paris, historically close to Israel, has been critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of Gaza and Iran, and has distanced itself from aggressive displays of military force.
President Emmanuel Macron called for a humanitarian While urging restraint, it supports Israel’s right to self-defense. French officials argue that the move is not politically motivated but a rule-based enforcement measure designed to align the demonstrations with current geopolitical sensitivities.
Airshow diplomatic fallout continues
Despite the controversy, civil aerospace activity remains resilient at the airshow. Airbus announced new deals with Saudi Avils and LOT Poland, demonstrating commercial resilience in the face of political upheaval.
Analysis
1. Diplomatic communications:
France’s intervention highlights a key point of tension with Israel, which underscores the GNPD’s growing awareness of its defense ties with the Gaza-Iran conflict. By targeting military, not civilian, demonstrations, Paris aims to signal concern without severing key diplomatic ties.
2. Industry implications:
Israeli Removing manufacturers from public view could make it easier for French companies to win European contracts, especially in drones, missile systems and electronic warfare – where Elbit, Rafale and IAI have been aggressively competitive.
3. Testing Western integration:
The rejection by US Republicans highlights the disconnect between European caution and American defence priorities. The incident could complicate future military cooperation and jeopardise joint NATO procurement processes.
4. Broader example:
France’s stance could prompt other European and non-Western countries to rethink defence export policies, especially those linked to live conflicts. It could also affect the way other countries participate in defence shows.
Key quotes
- Boz Levy (IAI CEO):
“The black partitions are a reminder of the dark days when Jews were isolated from European society.”
- Messher Sasson (Elbit Systems):
“If you can’t beat them in technology, hide them?”
- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R‑AR):
“Very absurd.”
- Senator Katie Britt (R‑AL):
“Shortsighted.”
- French government:
“Exhibitors were warned in advance and if they comply, they can reopen.”
What happens next?
- Israel could seek diplomatic asylum and redirect exports to new markets in Asia, Eastern Europe and the Americas.
- France could revise airshow guidelines and collaborate with a pro-accountability multilateral framework aimed at reducing weapons displays linked to active conflict zones.
- The transatlantic defense relationship could suffer from strategic coordination issues, forcing the US and French defense leadership to maintain a shared strategic framework Will need to be aligned.
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FAQs
France ordered the closure of four Israeli defense company stands, including Elbit Systems, Rafale, IAI and UVision, because they publicly displayed offensive weapons. French officials said the move was about following the rules, not politics, and that the booths could be reopened if the companies complied. The move is seen as a way to control sensitive military displays in line with current geopolitical tensions.
Israeli Defense Ministry sources called the move “insulting and unprecedented.” IAI CEO Boz Levy compared the move to the historical segregation of Jews in Europe, while Elbit Systems executive Meshar Sas criticized the move as a way to hide rather than compete with technology. The action sparked diplomatic outrage and statements from both Israeli and US officials.
Removing Israeli manufacturers from public view could give European companies, especially French ones, a better chance at defense contracts. It could affect drone, missile, and electronic warfare markets. In addition, the incident could influence other countries to reconsider their defense display policies, especially for weapons linked to active conflict zones.
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