One of the world’s largest defense exhibitions is about to open in Paris. Israel will be there — but not as a full participant. And the Israeli government is furious.
France has barred Israel’s official participation in the June EUROSATORY defense exhibition, according to a Monday statement by the Israeli Defense Ministry. The French government has also limited Israeli companies to displaying only defensive weapons. Offensive systems are explicitly excluded.
The Israeli Defense Ministry decried the restrictions as “a disgraceful decision, one that reeks of political and commercial calculation, and regrettably, it comes as no surprise.”
“This policy is applied selectively and discriminatorily relative to other participating nations — in direct violation of the established norms governing international defense exhibitions,” the ministry said in a statement.
What France Decided
The French Defense Ministry confirmed the restrictions. Israeli exhibitors will be limited to air defense and anti-missile defense equipment. The French government has also banned Israeli government representatives from attending the exhibition and banned the opening of an Israeli national pavilion.
“France, which prides itself on the values of liberty and democracy, is acting in direct contradiction to the principles it claims to uphold,” the Israeli ministry said. “It is hiding behind a pretense of political justification to exclude Israeli offensive defense systems from an international forum.”
Despite the ban on the Israeli government and offensive weapons, many Israeli companies are expected to attend with their own smaller private desks. Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems are among the companies still planning to present their systems.
The Pattern
This is not the first time France has moved against Israel at a major defense exhibition. During the last EUROSATORY in 2024, France prevented dozens of Israeli defense companies from attending. That move was overturned by the Paris Commercial Court, which found that the order would lead to discrimination.
“About a year ago, the Israeli pavilions at the Paris Air Show were hidden from view, and now we are seeing a similar saga unfold once again,” TAT Israel told The Jerusalem Post.
Israeli sources have said France’s moves are motivated both by delegitimization and by a desire to undermine Jerusalem as a competitor. French defense companies feel threatened by Israeli companies, sources said.
The Hypocrisy Accusation
The Israeli ministry noted that non-democratic countries, some of whom are feared as potential international aggressors, will likely be able to present offensive weapons despite Israel’s exclusion.
“Demand for Israeli defense solutions continues to grow, not decline,” TAT Israel said. “Leading defense organizations around the world continue to seek out Israel’s innovation and unique technological capabilities. Ignoring that reality means turning away from valuable security capabilities.”
France has been critical of Israeli policy on Gaza and Lebanon, and in 2026 also regarding Iran. Yet twice in 2024, France helped shoot down Iranian missiles and drones fired at Israel. The contradiction is not lost on Israeli officials.
The Bottom Line
France has barred Israel from official participation in the EUROSATORY defense exhibition in Paris, banning government representatives and an Israeli national pavilion. Israeli companies are limited to displaying only defensive weapons. The Israeli Defense Ministry called the decision “disgraceful” and “discriminatory.” French defense companies are reportedly threatened by Israeli competition. Despite the ban, many Israeli firms are expected to attend with private desks.
“France, which prides itself on the values of liberty and democracy, is acting in direct contradiction to the principles it claims to uphold,” the Israeli ministry said.
