France Bars Israeli Defense Firms From Major Arms Expo Amid Tensions

France has imposed strict conditions on Israeli defense companies seeking to exhibit at the upcoming Euronaval arms exhibition near Paris, effectively barring official government representatives and limiting displays to air defense and missile interception systems. The exhibition, a major international event for naval armaments, is scheduled to open on November 3. Israeli firms like Elbit, Orbit, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) were expected to participate. In addition to restrictions on offensive weapon systems, French authorities have prohibited the attendance of official Israeli delegates, including those from the Ministry of Defense. An Israeli defense source criticized the move as a "cowardly and expected step by the French, aimed at preventing competition with French industry for cynical business reasons." This follows a similar ban in June 2026, when France prohibited Israel's official participation in the Eurosatory exhibition, allowing only air defense systems and later covering displays of offensive weapons. In November 2025, two Israeli companies were excluded from the MILIPOL exhibition. Two years prior, in 2024, French authorities completely banned Israeli companies from Euronaval, leading to a lawsuit by Israel Shipyards, the Manufacturers Association of Israel, and the Israel-France Chamber of Commerce. The lawsuit, which argued the exclusion violated EU free market rules, was successful shortly before the event, but most Israeli companies could not set up their exhibits in time. These actions coincide with France's strong criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza, with President Emmanuel Macron condemning Israeli government actions. France, alongside the UK and Canada, is also advocating for broad economic sanctions against Israel, specifically targeting "trade with settlements," a move supported by 12 countries. The UK has also banned imports from settlements, increasing bilateral tensions. In response, in March 2026, Director General of the Ministry of Defense Amir Baram ordered a reduction in defense procurement from French companies. The Israeli defense sector views France's actions as primarily motivated by a desire to weaken Israeli industrial competitiveness.