France bars Israel military firms from naval trade show amid growing diplomatic tensions

Israeli companies have been barred from participating in an upcoming naval trade show in France, marking another sign of growing tensions between the two allies, reported the Wall Street Journal. 

While Israeli delegations can still attend the event, military contractors will not be allowed to display their weapons at booths.

The latest ban applies to the Euronaval fair, scheduled for 4 -7 November in Paris. The naval warfare trade show features major companies such as BAE Systems, Naval Group and Fincantieri. Seven Israeli contractors, including industry giants Rafael, Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, were slated to participate.

This ban is the latest in a series of diplomatic clashes between French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Tel Aviv intensifies its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

It comes after Paris prohibited Israeli firms from joining a separate military trade event in June, the Eurosatory event, one of the largest land armament fairs, though a court later overturned the decision too late for them to participate.

In recent weeks, Macron has repeatedly called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel if the weapons are being used in Gaza and Lebanon.

READ: Macron condemns Israel’s ‘indiscriminate’ air strikes in Lebanon and Gaza

During private discussions yesterday, Macron reminded Netanyahu not to “ignore United Nations decisions,” noting that Israel itself was created through a UN resolution. These remarks have reportedly sparked outrage from Netanyahu.

Macron also criticised Israel for conducting “indiscriminate” strikes in Lebanon and Gaza, according to a statement from the Elysee Palace.

He also “expressed his outrage” over the wounding of several UN peacekeepers by Israeli forces in Naqoura, urging Israel to stop what he called “unjustifiable targeting.”

According to Reuters, recent tensions between Netanyahu and Macron have escalated, particularly after Paris and Washington brokered a 21-day truce deal between Israel and Hezbollah, intended to pave the way for negotiations. However, the deal fell apart when Israeli strikes killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, leaving France and the US blindsided.