A French court on Tuesday rejected a petition by Israeli defense companies challenging the French government’s decision to bar them from displaying offensive weapons and to shutter their booths at the Paris Air Show. The court ruled that it does not have the authority to overturn the government’s decision.
The move drew sharp criticism from Israel’s Defense Ministry, with Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram is calling the French action “deliberate harm to Israeli defense industries.” Baram added: “Performance on the battlefield speaks louder than any exhibition on French soil. It is unfortunate and unethical to see discrimination rooted in foreign considerations that conveniently serve French economic interests by undermining competition.”
Baram warned that France's “outrageous decision” could backfire, pointing to the high interest shown in Israeli defense systems during the show, especially in light of Israel’s recent successful strikes in Iran. “Despite France’s attempt to sideline us, many visitors—including heads of state and military leaders—flocked to the Israeli booth, a testament to the value and appeal of our technology,” he said.
According to participants, the announcement that the Israeli booth would be shut down came via a brief WhatsApp message sent on June 15 to Israel’s military attaché in Paris by the air show organizers. Industry sources said the sudden move disrupted eight separate contracts involving significant logistical and financial investments—totaling hundreds of thousands of euros—in transporting teams, equipment, and constructing the booth. “Even if it’s a political decision, where’s the proper legal and business conduct?” one source asked.
The Defense Ministry accused the French of violating prior agreements with show organizers, alleging that only days before the event, they introduced a new demand that Israeli companies not display weapons used in Gaza, limiting them to defensive systems only. One attendee remarked wryly, “As if the French fighter jets on display here are built to make it rain.”
Government and industry sources believe the decision is primarily motivated by France’s interest in shielding its domestic defense industry from growing Israeli competition, especially as Israeli weapons sales have surged following real-world battlefield success.
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Insiders revealed that France had already decided to close the Israeli booth as early as June 4 but failed to inform Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, embassy or the companies themselves until much later. Some speculate that even the air show organizers were only informed at the last minute to avoid potential lawsuits from the excluded companies.
Despite the government’s stance, many international visitors reportedly sought out the “hidden” Israeli booth to express support and interest. The barred companies include Israel’s major defense players: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.
This year’s incident follows a similar controversy in 2023, when French authorities initially banned Israeli participation before a local court overturned the decision. However, due to time constraints, Israeli firms ultimately did not exhibit, though representatives from major companies still attended.
Held every two years at Le Bourget near Paris, the Paris Air Show is one of the world’s premier defense and aerospace exhibitions, attracting hundreds of manufacturers and official military delegations from across the globe.