This is yet another blow to relations between France and Israel. According to information reported by the channel Can On Wednesday morning, France vetoed the full participation of Israeli companies at the Euronaval show, one of the world’s largest maritime security technology shows.
In a statement released later in the day, the show’s management clarified that the French government had informed it of its decision to approve the participation of Israeli delegations, but without any stands or display of equipment. “In accordance with the decision of the French government, Israeli companies and citizens wishing to participate will be welcomed at the show under the conditions specified above.”
The company Israel Shipyards has already announced its intention to file an appeal against this decision before the French courts, in order to be able to exhibit at this event which will be held next month in France.
This is the second time in the same year that France has taken a decision of this nature. Last June, the Elysée had in fact prevented the arrival of Israeli companies and representatives of the country to the Eurosatory defense exhibition. Although the courts finally lifted this ban, deemed discriminatory, the 74 Israeli companies initially planned for the program did not have time to turn around to organize their visit. The decision of the Elysée announced this Wednesday, if it is intended to be more nuanced, does not fool anyone: in fact, it once again prevents Israel from being officially represented at a defense exhibition.
This veto comes in an already particularly tense context between Paris and Jerusalem, after Emmanuel Macron’s recent call for an arms embargo on the Jewish state. Relations further poisoned by the declarations of the French president in recent days, who urged Benjamin Netanyahu not to be ungrateful towards the UN, “thanks to which Israel was created”.
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