The French Ministry of Defense and organizers of the annual Eurosatory arms and defense exhibition announced on Friday that France has prohibited Israeli companies from participating in the event scheduled next month in Villepinte, near Paris. An exhibition organizer's spokesperson stated via email, "Under a decision made by government authorities, there will be no Israeli display section at Eurosatory 2024." The Ministry of Defense indicated that "the conditions for hosting Israeli companies at the exhibition were not met at a time when the president is calling for Israel to cease its operations in Rafah."
Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed being "angry" over the Israeli airstrike that resulted in a fire killing 45 people in a camp in Rafah, Gaza, drawing ire from global leaders. Three European countries—Spain, Ireland, and Norway—have officially recognized the State of Palestine with the declared aim of advancing peace, which has elicited anger from Israel. Macron stated he is "ready to recognize" a Palestinian state "at the right time" and not under "emotional pressure."
**A Strong French Step**
Paris' decision to ban Israeli companies from participating in the Eurosatory exhibition is considered one of France's most explicit actions to show its rejection of the ongoing war waged by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the Gaza Strip. The Israeli website Walla viewed the ban on Israeli arms companies as "a blow to Israel's defense industries."
**Israel Requests France to Reconsider**
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz requested France on Friday to "reconsider" its decision. He wrote on social media platform X, "I spoke to French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, and emphasized that this decision ultimately rewards terrorism and asked France to retract this ban."
**Importance of the Eurosatory Exhibition**
The exhibition, held from June 17 to 21, is one of the largest global exhibitions in this field, taking place biennially at the Villepinte exhibition center near Paris, France. It is seen as a prime opportunity for defense companies to showcase their latest innovations and pave the way for new contracts. The ban is expected to put Israeli defense contractors at a disadvantage compared to competitors, including French companies. Reports indicate that the French Ministry of Defense had already begun making registration for Israeli companies more difficult weeks prior by requiring that exhibited weapons obtain a pre-approved import license from French authorities.
In 2022, more than 1,700 exhibitors from 62 different countries participated, with 62% coming from outside France. Approximately 2,000 companies, including 74 from Israel, had registered for Eurosatory this year, with major defense companies such as Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems among them.
**Significant Damage**
Israeli companies significantly benefit from international exhibitions like Eurosatory to enhance their presence in global markets. France's decision to prevent Israeli companies from participating will negatively impact them, placing them at a disadvantage compared to other competitors in the European and international markets.
Over the years, many prominent Israeli companies have participated in this exhibition, including:
- **Elbit Systems**: This company showcases a variety of advanced technologies in aviation, communications, and fire control systems.
- **Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)**: Offers a range of systems, including the Barak MX air and missile defense system, Tactical Heron drone system, and loitering munitions like ROTEM and MINI HAROP.
- **Rafael Advanced Defense Systems**: Known for developing missile defense systems like the Iron Dome and SPYDER air defense systems, along with the SPIKE missile series.
- **Bird Aerosystems**: Famous for developing air and ground protection systems, such as the Hybrid Eye integrated detection system that supports the protection of armored vehicles.
- Small and medium enterprises like Beesense Sensor Solutions, Bluebird Aero Systems, Camero-Tech, and General Robotics showcase innovative technologies including tactical satellite communications, hybrid robotics, and AI-based thermal imaging systems.
