UK Bans Israeli Officials from Major Defense Exhibition

Britain has barred Israeli officials from attending its largest defense trade exhibition in response to Israel’s escalating military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

The move marks a significant shift in London’s stance towards a long-standing ally as tensions deepen over the conflict.

The decision follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement in July that the United Kingdom would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel took concrete steps to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza and meet additional conditions. The policy shift drew sharp criticism from the Israeli government.

As a result of the ban, Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed it will not host a national pavilion at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, an event that typically attracts military and security officials from around the world.

Despite the restrictions on official participation, leading Israeli defense companies including Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and UVision will still be permitted to showcase their technologies at the exhibition.