France shut down the main Israeli defense company booths at the Paris Airshow on Monday for displaying offensive weapons, sparking a diplomatic rift with Israel. Major Israeli firms including Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI, and Uvision were blocked off behind black partitions at the start of the world’s largest aviation trade event. Only smaller Israeli stands without weaponry and the Israeli Ministry of Defence booth remained accessible.
The French government, citing its stance on the Gaza conflict, said it had warned all exhibitors ahead of time that offensive weapons were prohibited. French President Emmanuel Macron had recently emphasized a distinction between Israel’s right to self-defense and broader military actions like strikes on Iran. The French Prime Minister’s office claimed Israel’s embassy had agreed to the restriction.
Israel’s Defense Ministry condemned the move, calling it “outrageous” and “politically motivated,” alleging France was using the restrictions to protect its own defense industry. IAI CEO Boaz Levy likened the scene to historical discrimination, while Elbit’s Meshar Sasson accused France of trying to block competition. Rafael called the decision unjustified.
Israel insists it submitted a list of displayed items in advance and was blindsided by enforcement just hours before the show began. The ban drew criticism from U.S. Republican figures at the event, including Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Senator Katie Britt, who called it absurd and shortsighted.
The Paris Airshow, held biennially at Le Bourget Airport, typically showcases cutting-edge aerospace and defense technology. This year’s event, already subdued by a recent Boeing 787 crash and Middle East tensions, saw further disruption as organizers sought a resolution. As of late Monday, the Israeli booths remained closed, pending compliance with French regulations.