Israeli defense companies’ booths blocked at major French arms fair despite earlier approval

Organizers of the EuroSatory defense exhibition in France blocked Israeli defense company booths overnight, between Sunday and Monday, by covering them with wooden boards. The move came even though the companies had received approval only hours earlier and had already made the changes requested by the organizers and French authorities. The same type of restriction had also happened at the show last year.

The booths shut down belonged to Aeronautics, Orbit, Gilat, Shoresh, Marom Dolphin, Smart Shooter and OSG. Company representatives said they had been told the day before that their stands met all requirements. Orbit said inspectors had confirmed its booth complied and had even approved a presentation video, only for the company to receive a closure notice later that night. Aeronautics also said it had completed the requested adjustments before being informed its booth would be closed.

A notice sent to the Israeli firms said that, under a June 3, 2026 letter, France had decided to limit Israeli participation at EuroSatory 2026 to items that contribute only to Israeli defensive capabilities against aircraft, missiles and ballistic missiles. It added that the restriction applied to all exhibition material, including visual works, videos, models, reproductions and promotional items. The notice said a review by French authorities found the booths did not meet the stated requirements and therefore would be hidden and closed.

The Defense Ministry condemned the action, saying EuroSatory had blocked the booths of Israeli defense industries despite their compliance with France’s “outrageous” demands and their display of defensive weapons only. It called the move “a cynical, unequal and unsurprising step” meant to exclude Israeli technology from an international exhibition. The ministry said it would continue promoting Israeli defense exports worldwide.