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In a controversial move at this year’s Paris Air Show, French authorities ordered black partition walls around Israeli defense industry booths, isolating them from other international exhibitors.
The partitions were installed ahead of the event’s Monday opening, in response to Israeli companies displaying what French authorities called “offensive weapons” amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense condemned the decision, calling it “ugly and improper,” and accused France of using political pretexts to limit Israeli participation and protect its own defense industry. While France cited “extreme tensions” in the Middle East and public concern over Gaza as justification, critics noted that military hardware from other nations — including French-made fighter jets and missiles — remained prominently on display.
A French appeals court had rejected a bid by activist groups to bar Israeli participation entirely. However, Prime Minister François Bayrou defended the restrictions, stating that while Israeli companies were permitted to attend, they were warned not to display offensive weapons. According to French officials, five companies failed to comply and were walled off, while four others adhered to the restriction and were allowed to exhibit.
Rafael, one of Israel’s leading defense companies, was among those whose displays were walled off. “These weapons are used legally to protect our people and to free hostages,” said Shlomo Toaff, head of Rafael’s air defense division. “Anybody that is for a free world, free business, freedom of speech should be outraged by this.”
The decision drew both condemnation and protest. Two women drew an Israeli flag and scrawled graffiti on the black partitions, denouncing the move as discriminatory before security personnel quickly covered it with black plastic.
Israel’s Defense Ministry has demanded that the restrictions be reversed. Meanwhile, French officials continue to insist the measures reflect the country’s diplomatic stance, not discrimination — a claim Israeli officials and defense representatives strongly reject.
