Israeli Stands Shut Down at Paris Airshow Amid French Government Pressure
The Paris airshow, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious aerospace industry events, has seen a significant development on its opening day. The four main Israeli company stands, featuring exhibits from Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI, and Uvision, have been shut down after exhibitors reportedly refused to remove some weapons from display. This move comes amid pressure from the French government, which had instructed the organisers to remove any offensive or kinetic weapons from the stands.
According to a source, the French government had directed the organisers to take this step, which led to the Israeli companies being hidden from view. The stands were subsequently cordoned off with black partitions, sparking criticism from the Israeli defence ministry and industry leaders. The ministry described the decision as "outrageous and unprecedented," stating that it "reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations."
The French government has been gradually hardening its position on Israel’s government over its actions in Gaza and military strikes abroad. French President Emmanuel Macron last Friday reiterated his country’s support for Israel’s right to protect itself, but also called on "all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate." This development has led to tensions between France and Israel, with the Israeli defence ministry accusing France of trying to stymie competition.
The Israeli companies had refused to comply with the French security agency’s direction to remove certain weapons systems from display. In response, the exhibition organisers erected the black partitions, which effectively shut down the Israeli stands. IAI’s president and chief executive, Boaz Levy, drew parallels between the black partitions and "the dark days of when Jews were segmented from European society."
The move has also sparked criticism from US Republican politicians attending the airshow. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders described the decision as "pretty absurd," while Senator Katie Britt criticised it as "shortsighted." Meshar Sasson, a senior vice-president at Elbit Systems, accused France of trying to stymie competition, pointing to a series of contracts that Elbit has won in Europe.
The company Rafael described the move as "unprecedented, unjustified, and politically motivated." The airshow’s organiser said it was in talks to try to help "the various parties find a favourable outcome to the situation." Meanwhile, images taken by the AFP agency showed yellow writing on one of the black walls around the stands, accompanied by a drawing of an Israeli flag. The graffiti read: "Behind these walls are the best defense systems used by many countries. These systems are protecting the state of Israel these days. The French government, in the name of discrimination, is trying to hide them from you."
As reported by The Guardian, the Israeli defence ministry has rejected the order to remove some weapons systems from displays, and the French government has defended its decision. The Paris airshow, which is taking place in Le Bourget, north-east Paris, from Monday until Sunday, has been a platform for the aerospace industry to showcase its latest developments. However, the controversy surrounding the Israeli stands has overshadowed the event.
The Guardian has confirmed that three smaller Israeli stands, which did not have hardware on display, and an Israeli Ministry of Defence stand, remain open. The incident has raised questions about the intersection of politics and business, particularly in the defence industry. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Paris airshow will be remembered for its dramatic and contentious start.
The developments at the Paris airshow have sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in international business events. According to industry insiders, this incident may have far-reaching implications for future events. This report is based on information provided by The Guardian, which first reported on the story.
French police were also seen patrolling the Israeli defence ministry stand, further highlighting the tensions between France and Israel.
The Guardian also reported that later, the section of black wall appeared to have been replaced by a white wall, suggesting that some compromise may have been reached.
Industry experts have noted that this incident may impact the future of international business events, with many questioning the role of politics in such gatherings.
With the Paris airshow set to continue until Sunday, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. One thing is certain, however: the controversy surrounding the Israeli stands has brought attention to the complex and often fraught relationship between politics and business.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many industry leaders and politicians weighing in on the issue. As the situation continues to develop, The Guardian will provide updates and analysis.
