France has barred Israeli government representatives from attending the upcoming Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris and imposed restrictions on the participation of Israeli defense companies, according to Israel’s Ministry of Defense.
The event, one of the world's largest arms exhibitions, is scheduled to take place in Paris from June 15 to 19 and is expected to attract more than 2,600 exhibitors.
French authorities said Israeli firms will be permitted to display equipment related only to air and missile defense systems, without providing further details on the reasons behind the restrictions. Paris did not comment on reports that Israeli government officials had been barred from attending.
Israel condemned the decision, describing it as politically motivated and discriminatory. Israeli officials argued that the restrictions unfairly target Israeli defense manufacturers compared with other participants and undermine established norms governing international defense exhibitions.
The dispute has further strained relations between France and Israel, which have deteriorated since late 2023 over disagreements surrounding conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as broader regional security issues.
Israeli officials also pointed to growing tensions following French criticism of Israeli military operations and President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of a Palestinian state last year.
The row follows France’s decision to exclude Israel from the 2024 Eurosatory exhibition, citing the circumstances surrounding the Gaza war at the time.
Israeli defense authorities have since signaled plans to reduce defense procurement from France, while also suggesting that commercial competition in the global arms market may have influenced the latest restrictions.
The controversy highlights deepening diplomatic and defense-sector tensions between the two countries ahead of one of the world's most influential military technology exhibitions.
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