France shuts down display of 4 Israeli defence companies at Paris Air Show: LE BOURGET, France – June 17, 2025 – The usually vibrant and forward-looking atmosphere of the Paris Air Show was dramatically overshadowed on its opening day by an unprecedented diplomatic row, as four major Israeli defence companies found their exhibition stands abruptly shut down and shrouded behind imposing black partitions. The controversial move, initiated by French authorities, has ignited a furious response from Israel, casting a long shadow over one of the world’s most prestigious aerospace and defence events.
The companies affected – Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and UVision – arrived at Le Bourget to showcase their latest innovations, only to find their displays obscured by tall, dark walls. While three smaller Israeli exhibitors without hardware displays and an official Israeli Ministry of Defence stand remained open, the closure of these prominent industry players immediately drew international attention and sparked a fierce debate over geopolitics, commercial interests, and freedom of exhibition.
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François Bayrou, French Prime Minister at Paris Air Show.
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The French Rationale: Diplomacy and “Offensive Weapons”
According to French authorities, the decision stemmed from a directive issued weeks prior to the show, prohibiting the display of “offensive weapons,” especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened tensions in the Middle East. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, speaking at the air show, defended the action, stating, as reported by France24, that “given the situation in the region, the extreme tensions given France’s diplomatic choices, notably concern about Gaza,” it was deemed unacceptable for offensive weapons to be on display.
Bayrou’s office stated that the Israeli Embassy and the companies themselves had been informed in advance of this restriction and that while some complied, others did not. The black walls were erected as a “last resort” when five companies reportedly failed to withdraw their “offensive” displays.
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Elbit Systems’ booth at Paris Air Show was shut by French authorities.
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A French official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, indicated that the decision came from the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security, under the Prime Minister’s purview, emphasizing that Israeli exhibitors were told weeks ago about the ban on offensive weaponry. The official maintained that the covered displays could be reopened if the companies complied with the requirements.
This French stance draws a clear distinction between defensive and offensive capabilities, reflecting France’s evolving position on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. President Emmanuel Macron has increasingly voiced criticism of Israel’s military campaign, particularly concerning the humanitarian situation. The move at the Paris Air Show serves as a visible manifestation of this diplomatic recalibration.
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UVision’s Booth at Paris Air Show was also covered by French officials.
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Israel’s Vehement Rejection: “Outrageous and Unprecedented”
The Israeli Ministry of Defence wasted no time in condemning the French decision, calling it “outrageous and unprecedented.” In a strongly worded statement, the ministry, as reported by Reuters, accused France of “hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition – weapons that compete with French industries.” This accusation hints at a deeper commercial rivalry, suggesting that France might be leveraging the geopolitical climate to stifle competition from leading Israeli defence contractors.
The ministry further stated that it had “categorically rejected” the order to remove certain weapon systems and that the exhibition organizers proceeded to erect the black walls in the middle of the night, catching Israeli officials and companies “completely off guard.” Boaz Levy, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), drew a stark comparison, stating to the Associated Press that the black partitions were reminiscent of “the dark days of when Jews were segmented from European society.”
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Shlomo Toaff, head of Rafael‘s air defence systems division, expressed profound dismay to the Associated Press, noting he couldn’t even enter his company’s small display area and vowed to pursue emergency legal action. “These weapons are used by the Israeli government in a legal way in order to protect our people and in order to free the hostages,” Toaff asserted, as quoted by the Associated Press, adding that “Anybody that is for a free world, free business, freedom of speech should be outraged by this.”
Meshar Sasson, Senior Vice President at Elbit Systems, echoed the sentiment of unfair competition. “If you cannot beat them in technology, just hide them, right? That’s what it is because there’s no other explanation,” he remarked to the Associated Press, pointing to Elbit’s recent successes in securing contracts across Europe. Rafael also labeled the French action as “unprecedented, unjustified, and politically motivated,” as reported by Reuters.
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An Israeli firm official was removed from the show after she wrote graffiti on black curtains.
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A Shadow Over the Pairs Air Show
The controversy has undoubtedly cast a pall over the Paris Air Show, an event typically celebrated for its technological marvels and massive commercial deals. While show organizers stated they were in talks to find a “favorable outcome,” the black walls serve as a stark visual reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions and their direct impact on international trade and diplomacy.
The incident highlights the delicate balance countries must strike between their economic interests, diplomatic postures, and public sentiment, especially in the context of protracted conflicts. As the Paris Air Show continues, the question remains whether a resolution can be found that satisfies both the French government’s stated objectives and Israel’s demands for fair and open exhibition, or if this diplomatic spat will leave a lasting mark on future international defence events.
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