Britain has barred Israeli officials from attending its flagship defense trade fair, DSEI, over Israel’s escalation in Gaza, though Israeli arms firms may still take part.
Britain has banned Israeli government officials from attending its flagship defense exhibition in September, in a move linked to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
According to The Guardian, the government confirmed that no official Israeli delegation will be invited to the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) show, which opens on September 9 at London’s ExCeL Centre.
While Israeli defense companies—including Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Uvision—may still attend, Israel’s defense ministry said it would not run its traditional national pavilion.
According to The Guardian, a UK government spokesperson said: “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025. There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”
Israel reportedly condemned the move, calling it a “regrettable act of discrimination” and arguing that it “introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition.”
The decision comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to recognize a Palestinian state. Earlier this year, he warned that Britain would take such a step if Israel failed to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or meet other conditions.
The ban also recalls a controversy at the Paris Air Show in June, when French organizers blocked off Israeli defense company displays with black partitions after they refused to remove offensive weapons, sparking outrage from Israeli officials.
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What is DSEI?
DSEI is one of the world’s largest defense and security trade fairs, organized every two years by Clarion Defence & Security with backing from the British government and military. The four-day event brings together national delegations and private companies to showcase military technology ranging from fighter jets and drones to cyber capabilities and small arms.
This year’s edition, running September 9–12, is expected to feature hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees, including senior military officials, defense ministers, and corporate leaders from across the globe.
By excluding Israeli government officials, Britain has introduced an unusual political dimension to what is typically marketed as a purely commercial and professional showcase.
Gaza Genocide
Since reneging on the ceasefire on March 18, Israel has continued its bloody aerial bombardment across the Gaza Strip, killing and wounding thousands of Palestinians.
Starting on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military, with American support, launched a genocidal war against the people of Gaza. This campaign has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 62,900 Palestinians, with more than 159,000 wounded. The vast majority of the population has been displaced, and the destruction of infrastructure is unprecedented since World War II. Thousands of people are still missing.
In addition to the military assault, the Israeli blockade has caused a man-made famine, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians—mostly children—with hundreds of thousands more at risk.
Despite widespread international condemnation, little has been done to hold Israel accountable. The nation is currently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while accused war criminals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are officially wanted by the International Criminal Court.
(PC, The Guardian)
Just drop the bomb (so to speak): full by-way weapon ban; abrogate all sales immediately (including the damned F-35); immediately! “offensive weapons” — what else does “Israel” shill?! Happy missiles!? France should do the same! As usually, all the EU/NATO clique should do the same, collectively!