As many European countries opt to keep a low profile on business dealings with Israel, the Dutch defense and security expo will bar Israel's leading industry contractors from participating in November's exhibitions, following a similar French ban from the Paris airshow in June
Israel's leading defense contractors, including Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael, have been banned from taking part in a key defense expo set to take place in the Netherlands in November, according to a report by Globes.
Globes' report states that the Israeli defense giants had become regulars at the annual NIDV Exhibition for Defense and Security, commonly known as NEDS. While Israeli officials confirmed Globes' reporting, organizers of the exhibition, which will be held in Rotterdam, refused to comment on the subject.
Although less-known than other defense expos, NEDS organizers say the event "offers official foreign delegations the opportunity to meet with key decision makers and exhibitors."
The ongoing war in Gaza has cast a shadow over the business dealings of Israeli defense companies with European countries. In June, the French government shut down the stands of Israel's four main companies at the Paris Airshow, for displaying bombs and other offensive weapons – in a move that drew condemnation by Israel.
