A French court has prohibited representatives of Israeli defense companies from attending the Eurosatory 2024 defense and security trade show in Paris.
Previously, the French Defense Ministry instructed Coges Event, the organizer of Eurosatory, to prevent the Israeli defense industry from setting up stands at the event.
This directive was issued in light of French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for the cessation of IDF operations in Rafah. The court’s ruling extends this ban to any individuals working for or representing Israeli firms.
Seventy-four Israeli companies were slated to participate in the event, scheduled from June 17 to June 21 near Paris’s main international airport, with around 10 expected to exhibit weapons. Charles Beaudoin, President of Coges, indicated in a letter that the court’s ruling exceeds the government’s initial decision by not only preventing Israeli firms from exhibiting but also barring their representatives from attending.
Coges is appealing the court’s decision, but the ban remains in effect for now. The French government is also expected to respond to the ruling. Notably, the ban includes non-Israelis working for Israeli firms but does not apply to Israelis employed by non-Israeli firms.
This development follows an Israeli strike in Rafah targeting Hamas members, which resulted in civilian casualties and international condemnation, including protests in France.