French court rejects appeal to remove blocking of Israel’s offensive weapons display at Paris expo
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Israel says weapons exhibits blocked off at Paris Air Show – DW – 06
Israel’s Defense Ministry posted pictures of defense industry stands covered by black partition walls. The ministry slammed the move as “outrageous and unprecedented” Israeli firms reportedly failed to comply with a directive from a French security agency to remove offensive or kinetic weapons from the stands. The incident comes as Israel trades deadly airstrikes with Iran and almost two years into its campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 55,000 Palestinians. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that a tougher position against Israel may be needed in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The air show’s organiser said in a statement that it was in talks to try to help “the various parties find a favourable outcome”
Israeli defense industry exhibitions have been covered in black partition walls at the prestigious Paris Air Show, after reportedly failing to comply with a directive to remove offensive weapons from being displayed.
Israel’s Defense Ministry posted up a statement on social media along with pictures, showing Israeli defense company stands sealed off with black walls, preventing anyone from seeing what lay behind the walls.
Rafael, Elbit and IAI produce guided bombs and missiles, while Uvision and Aeronautics produce drones.
Pictures posted up along with a statement by the Defense Ministry showed various weapons systems on display.
France shuts down Israeli stands at Paris Air Show To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Israel accuses France of ‘ugly and improper’ behaviour
The incident comes as Israel trades deadly airstrikes with Iran and almost two years into its campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
“The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition — weapons that compete with French industries,” the ministry said in a statement Monday, calling the action “ugly and improper.”
The Reuters news agency cited a source familiar with the matter as saying the instruction to seal off the exhibits came from French authorities after Israeli firms failed to comply with a directive from a French security agency to remove offensive or kinetic weapons from the stands.
Israel’s Defense Ministry said its director general, Amir Baram, had rejected the request.
In a statement, the ministry called the move an “unprecedented decision, that gives off the scent of political and commercial considerations.”
Israeli firms reportedly failed to comply with a directive from a French security agency to remove offensive or kinetic weapons from the stands Image: Michael Euler/AP Photo/picture alliance
Sylvain Pavillet, a lawyer working with the air show organizers, said the final decision on who is allowed to exhibit lies with the French government, not the show itself.
“The fair is not the one who decides which countries are allowed to go to the show or not,” he told the Associated Press.
“That decision belongs to the government. We are not a state. We are a commercial company.”
Organizers still seeking ‘favourable outcome’
While there has been no immediate comment from the French government regarding any move to block Israeli exhibitions, the air show’s organiser said in a statement that it was in talks to try to help “the various parties find a favourable outcome to the situation.”
Friday saw a French appeals court rule against activists who had been seeking to block Israeli companies from participation at the show due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
In recent weeks, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that a tougher position against Israel may be needed in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Macron at the time warned that France would even consider sanctioning Israeli settlers.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
Israeli weapons display is walled off at Paris Air Show, in move Israelis decry
The Israeli Ministry of Defense condemned a decision by French authorities to erect a black wall around some Israeli defense industry stands at the Paris Air Show Monday. Pro-Israel advocates graffitied the black wall with messages praising the technology as protecting Israelis from Iranian missiles. The push to exclude the Israeli display predated Israel’s attack on Iran, which began early Friday morning. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed last month to penalize Israel if its ongoing offensive in Gaza and months-long blockade on humanitarian aid continues. The Israelis have reportedly been told that if they remove some of the weapons from the display, the wall will be taken down. The organizer of the show said in a statement that it was in talks to try to help “the various parties find a favourable outcome to the situation”
The Israeli Ministry of Defense condemned a decision by French authorities to erect a black wall around some Israeli defense industry stands at the Paris Air Show Monday.
Pro-Israel advocates graffitied the black wall with messages praising the technology as protecting Israelis from Iranian missiles — before the messages were themselves obscured.
The Paris Air Show, which is one of the largest and most prestigious exhibitions in the aerospace and defense industry, blocked the Israeli stands following a demand by anti-Israel activists to remove offensive weapons systems from display, which they rejected.
“This outrageous and unprecedented decision reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations,” said the Israeli Ministry of Defense in a statement. “This comes at a time when Israel is fighting a necessary and just war to eliminate the nuclear and ballistic threat facing the Middle East, Europe, and the entire world.”
The push to exclude the Israeli display predated Israel’s attack on Iran, which began early Friday morning. Last year, eight months into the war in Gaza, Israeli weapons producers were first barred before being allowed in under court order. This year, they were admitted after agreeing to show defensive weapons only.
On Friday, a French appeals court rejected a bid by activist groups to ban the Israeli participants over their alleged role in the war in Gaza.
The blocked stands include displays by Israeli missiles manufacturers Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Israeli drone producer Uvision. Three smaller Israeli stands and an Israeli Ministry of Defense stand remained open, among 75 weapons production companies with displays including military jets, helicopters and drones participating at the weeklong show that opened Monday at Le Bourget Airport.
A French official told the Associated Press that the decision came from the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security, under the prime minister, and that the Israeli exhibitors were told weeks in advance of the show that certain types of equipment were prohibited.
“Last night, after our booth was set up and ready for the show, we were asked to remove some of our systems from the booth,” Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, said in a statement. “We tried to negotiate with them, but it seems these orders came from the highest levels in Paris, and this morning, when we arrived at our booth, we were shocked to find out that we were blocked by black walls built overnight, which reminds us of the dark days of when Jews were segmented from European society.”
French President Emmanuel Macron vowed last month to penalize Israel if its ongoing offensive in Gaza and months-long blockade on humanitarian aid continues. Friday evening, Macron announced that he would postpone a United Nations conference set for this week on Palestinian statehood due to the conflict between Iran and Israel. He has expressed France’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense in the conflict.
The organizer of the Paris Air Show said in a statement that it was in talks to try to help “the various parties find a favourable outcome to the situation,” according to Reuters. The Israelis have reportedly been told that if they remove some of the weapons from the display, the wall will be taken down.
Israel’s defense ministry has rejected that argument. “The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition — weapons that compete with French industries,” its statement said.
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In US legislators response to Israel’s strike on Iran, sweeping support with signs of tension
Democrats were increasingly critical of Israel’s war conduct in Gaza. But few advocates of a hands-off foreign policy were openly making that case. The top two Democratic Congressional leaders stressed the need to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The Republican Jewish Coalition reposted GOP (Grand Old Party) members praising Israel, and suggested that Trump was in on the planning. But many of those tensions receded, though didn’t vanish, in the hours after the strike. The attacks “will inevitably invite counterattacks,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “I’m praying for peace. That’S my official position,’ said Senator Amy Klobuchar. � “How do we know?” Murphy tweeted. ‘I fully support this attack, and I fully support Israel�s support for it.” “Keep wiping out the Iranian leadership. We must provide whatever is necessary – military, intelligence, whatever – to wipe out the nuclear programme” – said Senator John Thune.
Democrats were increasingly critical of Israel’s war conduct in Gaza, with only a single Democratic senator reliably taking Israel’s side in public discourse.
An anti-interventionist bent within the Republican Party, meanwhile, was putting pressure on the party’s long-reliable support for Israel.
But in the hours after the strike, many of those tensions receded, though didn’t vanish. Recent critics of Israel expressed support for the strike and for aiding in Israel’s defence against retaliation. And few advocates of a hands-off foreign policy were openly making that case. Still, some on the extremes in each party continued to press their views.
Here’s what you need to know about how US legislators are responding to the strike and the resulting turmoil in the Middle East.
Much of the Republican caucus in both Congressional chambers exulted in the Israeli attacks and their ostensible success. Mike Johnson, speaker of the House, defended the attack, posting a tweet on X declaring, “Israel is right – and has a right – to defend itself!” Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned Iran that it “should heavily consider the consequences before considering any action against Americans in the region”. The Republican Jewish Coalition enthusiastically reposted GOP (Grand Old Party) members praising Israel, and suggested that Trump was in on the planning.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Congressional X feed told the tale of a growing number of Republicans who favour staying out of foreign wars, but also take pride in their devoted support of the president. “Thank you President Trump!” Greene tweeted shortly before the strikes, quoting a Trump social media post expressing commitment to a diplomatic resolution. She added that “the American people aren’t interested in foreign wars”.
Her next tweet, posted on Friday morning, was more muted. “I’m praying for peace. Peace. That’s my official position,” she said. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who has increasingly broken with Trump, stuck to his isolationist bona fides, tweeting, “No war with Iran. The neocons’ latest plan must be opposed.”
The top two Democratic Congressional leaders stressed the need to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons while also emphasising the need for a diplomatic path forward. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of New York, stressed the need for a diplomatic solution, with Schumer also stating that “the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and defence must be ironclad as they prepare for Iran’s response”.
But several other leading Democratic senators criticised Israel’s decision to strike. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, “Israel’s strikes against Iran represent an escalation that is deeply concerning and will inevitably invite counterattacks. This risks not only US negotiations with Iran, but the safety of American service members, diplomats, their families, and ex-pats around the region.” Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a statement that accused Israel of endangering US forces in the region, calling the attacks “a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence”.
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who serves on both committees, issued a statement criticising Israel for striking now, “knowing high level diplomatic discussions between the US and Iran are scheduled for this weekend”. And Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, a top member of the caucus, sounded a similar theme, arguing on X that Netanyahu was trying to “destroy” diplomacy. “How do we know?” Murphy tweeted. “They reportedly targeted and killed Iran’s chief negotiator with Trump.”
Pro-Israel Democrats and the Democratic Majority for Israel posted close to 20 statements in Israel’s support. “Our commitment to Israel must be absolute, and I fully support this attack,” Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania tweeted, adding, “Keep wiping out Iranian leadership and the nuclear personnel. We must provide whatever is necessary – military, intelligence, weaponry – to back Israel fully in striking Iran.” Later, he joked on social media, as he has before, about Israel’s successful beeper attack on Hezbollah last year.
Republican Debbie Wasserman Schulz of Florida, too, made the case against Iran. “I stand firmly behind Israel’s right to defend itself. Iran has long funded terror groups who killed Americans and has moved to develop nuclear weapons to aim at Israel,” she tweeted. ”If Israel’s strikes set back Iran’s nuclear programme, we’ll all be safer.”
And Republican Richie Torres of New York, on his personal X account, rebuffed those who immediately called for de-escalation. “The charge of ‘escalation’ is reserved exclusively for Israel, not for a threshold nuclear power openly calling for its destruction,” he wrote. “The double standard is unrelenting.”
Even as many Democratic legislators criticised Israel, the Jewish Democratic Council of America criticised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for insufficient support of Israel’s actions. The first official US statement in the wake of the attack, by Rubio, didn’t praise Israel’s success and emphatically sought distance, calling it “unilateral” and saying that it didn’t co-ordinate with Israel. By contrast, the Biden administration praised Israel’s attacks on Iran last year and emphasised co-ordination.
Halie Soifer, the chief executive of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, another pro-Israel Democratic aligned group, posted criticism of Rubio for distancing himself from Israel in his initial statement, and was criticised by Republicans accusing her of hypocrisy and progressives who wondered why she was embracing Israel’s actions.
In an interview, she wouldn’t comment directly on criticism of Israel from Democratic legislators, but said she agreed with them that diplomacy was the best path forward. She refused to accept that Trump’s post-facto enthusiasm for Israel’s strikes was anything but cynical, noting a number of actions he had taken in recent weeks that appear to have cut out Israel, including a visit to the region that included Qatar, which backs Hamas, and not Israel, and a deal with the Houthi militias in Yemen that spared US targets from their attack but left out Israel.
“If there was any doubt about this president’s support of Israel, it should have been clear to all last night, when Secretary Rubio put out a callous statement that essentially indicated an end of America’s historic support of Israel,” she said.
France Walls Off Israeli Booths at Paris Air Show Over Gaza War Concerns
The Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget just north of the French capital, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious aerospace and defense industry events. On Friday, a French appeals court rejected petitions by activist groups seeking to ban Israeli companies from the show due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Israel’s Defense Ministry criticized the decision, saying the demand to remove offensive weapon displays came at the last minute. Two women vandalized the black partitions around the booth of Israeli defense firm Rafael, drawing an Israeli flag and graffiti accusing the French government of discrimination. The French Prime Minister said the move was aimed at allowing Israeli companies to showcase aviation technologies, but not offensive weaponry.
The Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget just north of the French capital, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious aerospace and defense industry events. On Friday, a French appeals court rejected petitions by activist groups seeking to ban Israeli companies from the show due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The black barriers appeared overnight ahead of the show’s opening on Monday, visually isolating Israeli booths from dozens of other international participants.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou said the move was aimed at allowing Israeli companies to showcase aviation technologies, but not offensive weaponry, “given the situation in the region, the extreme tensions, and France’s diplomatic positions, notably its concern for Gaza.”
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Bayrou said both the Israeli Embassy and participating companies had been informed in advance of the restriction. While some exhibitors complied, others did not, prompting French authorities to cover the displays. “I hope temporarily,” Bayrou added.
Israel’s Defense Ministry criticized the decision, saying the demand to remove offensive weapon displays came at the last minute.
“The French are hiding behind supposed political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition—weaponry that competes with French industries,” the ministry said Monday, calling the move “ugly and improper.”
Offensive military hardware is prominently displayed by other participants at the show, particularly French-made Rafale fighter jets, cruise missiles, and other systems. Bayrou officially opened the event Monday, with the roar of aircraft occasionally drowning out his remarks.
A French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the order came from the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security, under the Prime Minister’s authority. The official said Israeli exhibitors were told weeks ago they could not display offensive weapons. Five did not comply, prompting the wall’s erection. Four others followed the directive and were allowed to present their exhibits.
Bayrou distinguished between Israel’s recent attacks on Iran and its military campaign in Gaza. “I have never underestimated the danger posed by Iran and its pursuit of nuclear weapons for the region and the world,” he said.
“But the situation in Gaza touches, injures, and repulses many of our compatriots, including those who are friends of Israel,” Bayrou added.
France has seen rising public criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, especially the prolonged restrictions on humanitarian aid since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks.
Sylvain Pavillet, a lawyer representing the air show organizers, said the final decision on national participation lies with the French government, not the event organizers.
Tensions flared on-site Monday when two women vandalized the black partitions around the booth of Israeli defense firm Rafael, drawing an Israeli flag and graffiti accusing the French government of discrimination. Security officials quickly covered the markings with black plastic sheeting.
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France shuts 4 Israeli weapons pavilions at Paris Air Show
Four main Israeli company booths at Paris Air Show closed for apparently showcasing bombs and other offensive weapons. The booths were blocked off by black tarps for showing “offensive weapons,” including those used in Gaza, which allegedly violated terms made with Israel. Three smaller Israeli stands, which didn’t have hardware on display, and an Israeli Ministry of Defense stand, remain open. Israel’s Defense Ministry said it had categorically rejected the order to remove some weapons systems from displays, and that exhibition organizers responded by erecting a black wall that separated the Israeli industry pavilions from others. France and Israel have had frosty relations in recent months, with French President Emanuel Macron increasingly critical over Israel’s war in Gaza. French appeals court ruled Friday against activist groups who sought to block Israeli companies from participating in the show.
The walls appeared overnight ahead of the air show’s opening Monday, visually isolating Israeli pavilions from dozens of other international exhibitors.
The instruction came from French authorities after Israeli firms failed to comply with a direction from a French security agency to remove offensive or kinetic weapons from the stands, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The stands were being used by Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision.
The booths were blocked off by black tarps for showing “offensive weapons,” including those used in Gaza, which allegedly violated terms made with Israel, a French government source told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Three smaller Israeli stands, which didn’t have hardware on display, and an Israeli Ministry of Defense stand, remain open.
Riot police officers patrol by the blocked Rafael stand and Israeli pavilions at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, France, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo)
France, a traditional Israeli ally, has gradually hardened its position on the government of Benjamin Netanyahu over its genocidal actions in Gaza and military interventions abroad.
France and Israel have had frosty relations in recent months, with French President Emanuel Macron increasingly critical over Israel’s war in Gaza.
On Friday, following Israeli strikes on Iran, Macron said France’s support for Israel was not unconditional and that Paris has the right to disagree with some of its decisions.
Israel’s Defense Ministry said it had categorically rejected the order to remove some weapons systems from displays, and that exhibition organizers responded by erecting a black wall that separated the Israeli industry pavilions from others.
This action, it added, was carried out in the middle of the night after Israeli defense officials and companies had already finished setting up their displays.
“This outrageous and unprecedented decision reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations,” the ministry complained in a statement.
“The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition – weapons that compete with French industries,” it claimed.
Meshar Sasson, senior vice president at Elbit Systems, condemned the French decision.
“If you cannot beat them in technology, just hide them, right? That’s what it is because there’s no other explanation,” he said, pointing to a series of contracts that Elbit has won in Europe.
A black wall that blocks the Israeli pavilions has been erected at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, France, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo)
Rafael described the French move as “unprecedented, unjustified and politically motivated,” adding it fully supported the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s decision not to comply with the order to remove some equipment from display.
The air show’s organizer said in a statement that it was in talks to try to help “the various parties find a favorable outcome to the situation.”
A French appeals court ruled Friday against activist groups who sought to block Israeli companies from participating in the show due to the war in Gaza.
Sylvain Pavillet, a lawyer working with the air show organizers, said the final decision on who is allowed to exhibit lies with the French government, not the show itself.
“The fair is not the one who decides which countries are allowed to go to the show or not,” he told The Associated Press (AP). “That decision belongs to the government. We are not a state. We are a commercial company.”
The Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget Airport, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious events for the aerospace and defense industry.