France has prohibited Israeli companies from participating in the upcoming Eurosatory arms and defence industry exhibition, set to take place in Villepinte near Paris next month. This decision, confirmed by the event’s organizers and French authorities, is a direct response to the ongoing Israeli assault on Rafah in southern Gaza. The French Defence Ministry explained the move, stating, “Conditions are no longer met to host Israeli companies at the show at a time when the President is calling for Israel to cease operations in Rafah.” Organizers, Coges Events, echoed this sentiment, announcing on Friday, “By decision of the government authorities, there will be no stand for the Israeli defence industry at the Eurosatory 2024 fair.” Seventy-four Israeli firms had planned to attend the event from June 17 to 21, with about ten of them set to exhibit weapons. This last-minute ban comes amidst growing international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement.
Last week, activists issued a legal warning urging Coges to avoid facilitating the buying and selling of weapons that could be used in “crimes” committed in Gaza or other parts of the occupied Palestinian territories. Organizations such as ASER, Stop Arming Israel, Urgency Palestine, and the France-Palestine Solidarity Association also emphasized the ethical concerns, arguing that profits from the fair could bolster firms involved in these alleged crimes.
Despite the organizers’ claims that Eurosatory is “solely for the presentation of defence and security equipment” and not a marketplace for deals, the decision to exclude Israeli companies is a significant political statement. It aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s recent expressions of outrage over Israeli actions in Gaza, particularly the air raid on a camp for displaced people in Rafah, which killed 45 people. Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz criticized the ban, stating on social media that it “ultimately rewards terror.” Gantz reportedly conveyed his disapproval directly to French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.
The ban reflects broader tensions between Israel and Western nations over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. France, along with other Western countries, had urged Israel against invading Rafah, a city now housing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced from other parts of Gaza. However, Israel has continued its offensive, displacing approximately one million people from Rafah and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the top United Nations court, recently ordered Israel to halt its attacks on Rafah. This directive came in the wake of increasing international condemnation of the violence in Gaza. Since October 7, at least 36,284 Palestinians have been killed, and 82,057 wounded in Israel’s military operations. France’s decision to ban Israeli companies from Eurosatory is part of a broader stance against the ongoing violence. It signals a call for accountability and a push for diplomatic pressure on Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza.
In previous weeks, international outrage has grown over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The assault on Rafah, which saw Israeli forces take over the Rafah crossing with Egypt, has exacerbated the crisis, limiting access to essential supplies and medical aid for the displaced population. The exclusion of Israeli companies from Eurosatory is not just a symbolic gesture but a tangible step reflecting France’s condemnation of the ongoing conflict. It underscores the increasing willingness of Western nations to leverage economic and diplomatic measures in response to perceived injustices in international conflicts. As the Eurosatory exhibition proceeds without the Israeli defence industry’s participation, the spotlight remains on the broader implications of military trade and international relations amidst ongoing conflicts. France’s bold decision highlights the complex interplay between national policies, international diplomacy, and the global arms trade in shaping responses to global crises.
