UK bars Israeli govt from DSEI arms fair over Gaza escalation

The British government said on Friday it will bar Israeli government officials from attending the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair in London next month, a move it said was prompted by Israel's recent escalation in Gaza and which has prompted sharp denunciations from Israel and raised fresh strains between the two allies. The four day DSEI event, which opens at ExCeL London on September 9, normally hosts national delegations alongside private defence contractors.

A UK government spokesperson said the Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza was wrong and that no Israeli government delegation would be invited to DSEI UK 2025. The spokesperson added that there must be a diplomatic solution, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Israel's defence ministry said it would not run a national pavilion at the exhibition in response to the British decision but would permit private Israeli defence companies to attend. Leading Israeli firms including Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries and Uvision were reported as still able to participate...