In an unprecedented move, a French court has prohibited any Israeli company from participating in the upcoming Eurosatory arms exhibition, which is set to open near Paris tomorrow. This decision extends beyond just exhibiting; no representative from Israeli companies or the Israeli security system will be permitted to enter the exhibition premises. The court’s ruling, highlighted by French newspaper “Le Parisien,” follows a severe interpretation of a recent announcement from the French Ministry of Defence. The ministry had expressed concerns about potential Israeli involvement in war crimes, leading to the ban.

Adding to the severity, the court mandated that the exhibition organizers must place signs at all entrances, explicitly stating that Israeli companies, representatives, and brokers are barred from entry. Ironically, while the exhibition halls will welcome discussions and deals among various global representatives, including those from Iran – despite its involvement in conflicts throughout the Middle East and its obsession to destroy the Jewish State – and some African dictators, Israel will be conspicuously absent due to the ban. This highlights a stark and paradoxical reality: nations often criticized for their human rights records will participate freely, while Israel, fighting for its very existence against Hamas and Hezbollah, is excluded.

This development marks a significant low in commercial relations between France and Israel. Historically, their commercial interactions have largely remained unaffected by political tensions, particularly those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the recent decision by the French Ministry of Defense, announced on May 31, reflects a shift. It effectively endorses views that Israel might be committing war crimes or even genocide, leading to the exclusion of 74 Israeli companies just days before the exhibition.

Officially, the French Ministry of Defense stated, “The conditions for accepting Israeli companies are no longer met, against the background of the fact that the President of the Republic is calling for an end to Israeli activity in Rafah.” This politically charged decision, now reinforced by the legal system, casts Israel in a particularly negative light.

According to Israeli media reports, an appeal has been filed against the court’s decision. A final verdict is expected on Monday, the day the exhibition opens. However, regardless of the outcome, the damage to Israeli interests is already significant.

French defense industry insiders indicated that uncertainty surrounded Israeli participation this year. Unlike previous exhibitions, there were unusual requests for customs approvals for all Israeli exhibits. An Israeli official mentioned that despite initial efforts by the Israeli Ministry of Defence to reverse the ban, the subsequent court ruling broadened the boycott to include any individual associated with Israeli arms companies or acting as intermediaries.

This decision by France, one of the leading economies in the European Union, significantly bolsters the critical stance towards Israel within the EU. Previously, such critiques were often limited to smaller member states. Now, France’s position suggests a broader European reluctance to engage with Israeli defence industries.

The implications extend beyond commercial isolation. There is a narrowing gap between this position and potential support for suspending the association agreement between Israel and the EU. This agreement requires both parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, a standard that the pro-Palestinian factions within the EU argue Israel fails to meet.

The French court’s decision to ban Israeli companies from the Eurosatory arms exhibition signifies a severe downturn in Franco-Israeli relations and underscores growing European scepticism towards Israel’s defence practices. Whether motivated by political messaging, economic strategy, or diplomatic signalling towards Muslim-majority countries, this move places Israel in a precarious position within the international trade and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Image credit: Emmanuel Macron at his party’s election campaign. (Stéphane Mahé, Reuters)