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The French government has allegedly censored Israeli defence companies exhibiting at the recent Paris Air Show in Parc des Expositions de Paris Le Bourget.
Show organisers reportedly concealed defence company booths at the air show with black panels, at the request of the French government, during the event from 16 to 22 June, according to local media.
The censorship is likely in response to military operations undertaken by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran in the Middle East.
“At the instruction of the French government, organisers of the Paris Air Show have barred Israeli defence companies from showcasing key systems; just hours before the exhibition opened,” Rafael Advanced Defense Systems said in a statement.
“This unprecedented and politically driven move stands in direct contradiction to the values of openness, dialogue and innovation that global defence forums are meant to uphold.
“Rafael fully supports the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s decision to reject this directive.
“Our technologies are actively safeguarding civilian populations, enabling NATO operations and supporting partners around the world. These systems are not only in demand; they are combat-proven, mission-critical, and represent the shared security interests of the democratic world. No curtain or wall can obscure that.
“We call on the organisers to reverse this discriminatory decision and reaffirm their commitment to equal and fair participation for all nations.”
Overnight the Israeli Defense Ministry described the actions as France hiding behind supposed political considerations to give unfair advantage to its own defence industry.
Elbit Systems described the censorship as “embarrassing” for organisers and the French government.
“Sixty years after Elbit Systems was founded, on the eve of the Six-Day War and in the shadow of the French arms embargo, we are once again witnessing a blatant and aggressive act by the French government,” Elbit Systems president and chief executive officer Bezhalel “Butzi” Machlis said.
“This embarrassing attempt to ‘conceal’ Elbit Systems’ groundbreaking technology behind a fictitious cover will prove futile; just as it did 60 years ago.
“Our world-leading technology continues to prove itself operationally and commercially, with growing demand across Europe and beyond. Elbit Systems remains committed to global leadership, innovation and partnership.”
Speaking in a public statement online, UVision Air Ltd chief executive officer Dr Ran Gozali said innovation and performance cannot be walled in.
“This morning at Le Bourget, our team arrived to find UVision’s booth – and those of several other leading Israeli defence companies – sealed behind black partitions. The decision, made overnight by the French government, sought to block access because we chose to stand proudly behind the very systems that safeguard our allies,” Dr Gozali said.
“Attempting to hide our technology behind curtains will not dim its impact. These systems are saving lives, and our commitment to our partners remains stronger than ever. Innovation cannot – and will not – be boxed in.
“Israel continues to lead the world in defence technology, and no obstacle will stop us from showing what we can do. Our reputation is built not on booth layouts but on precision, reliability and results.
“This is not the first time Israeli companies have faced such barriers. Yet each time, we rise above politics with perseverance, partnership and purpose.
“UVision, alongside the Israeli Ministry of Defense and our industry partners, will continue to engage through diplomatic and legal channels to reverse this decision.
“We believe that transparency, cooperation and shared security interests must prevail. No wall – physical or political – can stand in the way of innovation that saves lives.”
