In a bold diplomatic statement this week, the United Kingdom announced it will bar Israeli government officials from attending DSEI UK 2025, its flagship defense trade show in London’s Excel center.
The move follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s July declaration to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel takes concrete steps to ease suffering in Gaza, a decision that drew sharp criticism from Israel’s leadership.
Although Israeli defense companies such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision remain welcome on the show floor, Israel’s Ministry of Defense confirmed it will not run its national pavilion as in previous years.
This decision echoes tensions at the Paris Air Show three months ago, when France physically blocked Israeli stands after disputes over the display of attack weapons.
A UK government spokesperson stressed that Israel’s recent escalation in Gaza was wrong and announced: 'No Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.' The statement called for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza residents.
Israel condemned the ban as a 'regrettable act of discrimination,' arguing that political considerations have no place at a professional defense exhibition.
DSEI, organized by Clarion Defence and Security with backing from the British government and military, is held every two years and showcases national delegations and private companies from around the world.
As global conflicts increasingly shape defense partnerships, this showdown spotlights the growing interplay between diplomacy and industry in the world’s largest security arenas.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
