France blocks access to Israeli arms stands at Paris Air Show
French authorities have sealed off several Israeli arms stands at the Paris Air Show, considering they displayed "offensive weapons" amid the conflicts in Iran and Gaza. Israel has demanded the decision be reversed immediately.
Black walls were installed on Monday around the stands of five Israeli defence firms – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael, Uvision, Elbit and Aeronautics.
Rafael, Elbit and IAI produce guided bombs and missiles, while Uvision and Aeronautics produce drones.
The booths displayed "offensive weapons" that could be used in Gaza – in violation of agreements with Israeli authorities, a French government source told France's AFP news agency.
"From the outset, we provided a clear framework, which was shared with the Israelis, namely a ban on the display of offensive weapons at the Paris Air Show. The Israeli embassy at Paris has agreed to this", said the prime minister's office.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was shocked by the "outrageous" closure of the pavilions and said the situation should be "immediately corrected".
"Israeli companies have signed contracts with the organisers... it's like creating an Israeli ghetto," he said on French television channel LCI.
The Israeli defence ministry said in a statement that the "outrageous and unprecedented decision reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations".
"The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition – weapons that compete with French industries," it said.
(with newswires)
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:Paris Air Show kicks off against backdrop of global geopolitical tensionFrance's Macron urges halt to arms exports destined for Israel's use in GazaParis Air Show: Race on for protection against hypersonic missiles
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