France limits Israeli exhibitors at Eurosatory defense fair

France has prohibited Israeli government participation and restricted the display of offensive weapons by Israeli companies at the upcoming Eurosatory defense exhibition near Paris. The decision, confirmed by the event's organizers and the French government, will shape Israel's presence at one of the world's largest international defense and security trade fairs, scheduled to run from June 15 to 19 at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center.

According to Charles Beaudouin, president of COGES Events, the organizer of Eurosatory, the French government's Defense Council made the ruling. He stated that only Israeli exhibitors presenting missile defense and anti-aircraft defense systems are authorized. Any company that also manufactures offensive weapons, such as rockets or surface-to-surface missiles, will not be permitted to display them. The French Armed Forces Ministry said it has set a clear framework limiting Israeli participation to equipment related to air and missile defense.

The Israeli Defense Ministry denounced the move, announcing it will be unable to participate in the exhibition or establish a national pavilion. In a statement, the ministry called the decision...