France has moved to prohibit the exhibition of Israeli offensive weaponry at the 2026 edition of the Eurosatory international defence and security trade fair, according to organisers who confirmed the decision on Monday.
Under the new rules, only specific categories of Israeli defence systems will be permitted, triggering strong objections from Israel’s defence authorities.
COGES Events president, Charles Beaudouin, explained the scope of the restriction, stating: “Only Israeli exhibitors showcasing anti-ballistic and anti-air defence systems will be allowed,” in response to criticism from the Israeli Defence Ministry. He further clarified that the decision originates from the highest level of French defence governance, adding, “This is a decision taken by the French government, by the Defence Council,” and emphasised that offensive systems are explicitly excluded: “There is no room for ambiguity: if an exhibitor also manufactures rockets, they will not be allowed to display them. This rules out any offensive weapons.”
French defence authorities also outlined the framework guiding participation. The Armed Forces Ministry told franceinfo that, “We have set a clear framework, namely an exhibition limited to Israeli equipment and systems related to air defence and missile defence,” noting that compliance with these conditions would determine eligibility. “Israeli exhibitors who comply with this framework will be able to showcase their companies’ equipment at Eurosatory.”
Israel reacted sharply to the restrictions, saying the measures effectively block its participation. The Israeli Defence Ministry stated it would be “unable to take part in the fair or set up a national pavilion there.” It further condemned the move, describing it as politically motivated, adding: “This is a shameful decision, reeking of political and commercial calculation and, unfortunately, it is not surprising. It is part of a deeply worrying trend in French behaviour in recent years,” linking it to broader shifts in France’s recent policy stance.
According to reporting from RTL, this is not the first time Israeli arms companies have faced restrictions at the event, as they were also excluded from the 2024 edition amid concerns tied to the Gaza conflict. At the time, French authorities argued that “the conditions are no longer in place to host Israeli companies at the fair.” However, that decision was later overturned by the Paris Commercial Court, which ruled the ban “discriminatory” and ordered its reversal.
Tensions have also extended beyond Eurosatory. At the 2025 Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, Israeli defence firms including Rafael were reportedly barred from displaying certain equipment after refusing to remove offensive weaponry from exhibition stands.
Meanwhile, France has increasingly criticised Israeli military actions in the region, particularly strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group. Paris recently called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council following Israel’s capture of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces raised their flag over the historically significant Crusader-era site.
The upcoming Eurosatory exhibition is scheduled to run from 15 to 19 June at the Paris Nord Villepinte centre, north of Paris. Organisers expect a large-scale international turnout, with 2,032 exhibitors across 42 national pavilions, 334 official delegations from 93 countries, and around 43,000 professional visitors representing 155 countries.
