France Bans Israeli Firms from Euronaval Trade Show
On Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that he had instructed his ministry to take legal steps against French President Emmanuel Macron. This came after Paris banned Israeli companies from participating in the upcoming Euronaval military naval trade show.
The move is the latest in a series of tensions between the two nations, driven by the French government’s dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions in conflicts involving Gaza and Lebanon.
Israeli Companies Barred from Exhibiting
Euronaval, the organizer of the military trade event scheduled for November 4-7 in Paris, issued a statement last week. It said the French government had informed them that Israeli firms would not be allowed to set up exhibition stands or display equipment at the event. However, Israeli representatives would still be permitted to attend. The decision reportedly affected seven Israeli companies.
Foreign Minister Katz Responds with Legal Action
Katz responded to the ban by directing Israel’s Foreign Ministry to take diplomatic and legal measures. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, he expressed strong opposition to the French government’s actions.
“I have instructed the Foreign Ministry to take legal and diplomatic action against French President… decision to prevent Israeli companies from showcasing their products at the @SalonEuronaval exhibition in Paris next month,” Katz said.
He also condemned what he referred to as a “boycott” of Israeli companies for the second time, calling such actions “undemocratic” and unacceptable between friendly nations. Katz urged President Macron to fully revoke the ban.