France has decided to exclude Israeli companies from participating in the prestigious Eurosatory defense exhibition, according to the event organizer, Coges Events. This decision, mandated by government authorities, means that the Israeli defense industry will not have a stand at the 2024 exhibition.

The annual event, scheduled to take place in Villepinte, outside Paris, was set to feature as many as 74 Israeli companies. A source from a prominent French defense company expressed disappointment, stating, “We are very disappointed with the situation. There is a historic relationship of trust with our Israeli partners. This is not acceptable but the decision was taken by the French authorities.”

The exclusion of Israeli companies from this key defense and security trade show marks a significant shift, impacting longstanding partnerships and collaborations between the French and Israeli defense sectors.