France May Bar Israeli Firms From Major Air Show Amid Growing Boycott

France is reportedly considering barring Israeli defense companies from participating in the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget next summer, marking a potential escalation of French restrictions against Israeli firms. This follows a decision to limit Israeli companies to exhibiting only defensive systems at the upcoming Euronaval arms exhibition in Paris next week. Israeli defense industries, including major players like Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael, and Elbit Systems, have been regular participants in the biennial air show for decades. However, organizers have stated that the exhibition space is full, with approximately 2,400 companies from 50 countries expected to exhibit. Israeli defense officials view this as a deliberate attempt to exclude Israeli industries from the prestigious event, rather than a genuine space limitation. They suspect a political boycott orchestrated by the French government, using logistical excuses. Since the October 7th war, France has reportedly made it difficult for Israeli companies to participate in various arms exhibitions in Paris, including the air show and the Eurosatory land systems exhibition. This comes amid significant criticism from the French government and President Emmanuel Macron regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. France, along with the UK and Canada, is also leading efforts to impose broad economic sanctions on Israel, including measures to restrict trade with settlements, as part of a larger initiative involving 12 countries.