Britain said it will not invite any Israeli government or military representatives to the Defence & Security Equipment International exhibition in London on 9–12 September, citing Israel’s latest escalation of its military campaign in Gaza. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson called the Israeli operation "wrong" and said the exclusion was intended to apply pressure for an immediate cease-fire, the return of hostages and increased humanitarian aid. Israel’s Ministry of Defense condemned the move as a "deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination" and announced it would withdraw entirely from the show, abandoning plans for a national pavilion. The ministry added that it would nonetheless support Israeli defence companies that choose to attend; organisers have confirmed firms such as Elbit Systems, Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries remain welcome to exhibit. The decision deepens a deterioration in UK-Israel relations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has already suspended selected arms-export licences to Israel and halted bilateral trade talks in response to the Gaza conflict. Britain’s step follows France’s action in June, when authorities blocked access to several Israeli stands at the Paris Air Show over similar concerns.
The move comes after France in June blocked access to the stands of several Israeli arms manufacturers at the Paris Air show for displaying "offensive weapons" https://t.co/aDzCqDA4Yl
UK blocks Israeli government delegation from arms trade fair https://t.co/KadK8HvrWE
Londres écarte les responsables gouvernementaux israéliens d’un salon de l’armement, Israël s’insurge ➡️ https://t.co/PaydnkZP6N https://t.co/fP5oRKZuU2