France has prohibited the display of Israeli offensive weapons at the 2026 Eurosatory defense exhibition, organizers said Monday, in a move likely to deepen tensions between Paris and Tel Aviv amid ongoing disagreements over Israel's violations of international law.
"Only Israeli exhibitors presenting anti-ballistic and anti-air defence systems are authorised," said the president of COGES Events, Charles Beaudouin, responding to an Israeli defence ministry statement that protested the restrictions.
"This is a decision by the French government, by the Defence Council," Beaudouin added.
"There is no room for ambiguity: if an exhibitor is also a rocket manufacturer, they will not be allowed to display them. This ensures that no offensive weapons are present," he said.
The Israeli ministry denounced the move, saying it would "be unable to participate in the exhibition or establish a national pavilion."
