The big Paris airshow is taking place in Le Bourget from Monday to Sunday next week. Unfortunately, it has become a focal point for international tensions since four large Israeli company stands were closed due to the protests. No, the exhibitors would not take those weapons off display. Prompted by this social fracture, the French government stepped in. In response to that criticism, the government forced the event organizers to keep the stands distinct from the rest of the exhibition. Their goal was to avoid exposing the Israeli presence.
Although the main stands have been closed down, the Israeli Ministry of Defence’s stand is still open. In addition, three smaller Israeli stands that do not have military hardware on them remain open. The French government’s recent actions have faced outcry from the public, as many view such extreme efforts as discriminatory.
The exhibition organizers responded to the government’s demands by erecting a black partition that physically separated the Israeli industry pavilions from others. Boaz Levy, president and chief executive of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), commented on the partitions, stating they evoke “the dark days of when Jews were segmented from European society.”
Rafael, another key player in the defense sector, characterized the French government’s actions as “unprecedented, unjustified, and politically motivated.” This crisis situation plays out against the backdrop of increasing violent conflict in the Middle East. For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated France’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself. He called for “all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate” in relation to Israel’s military actions.
A graffiti panel at one of the Israeli pavilions declared: “Behind these walls are the best defense systems used by many countries. These systems are protecting the state of Israel these days. The French government, in the name of discrimination, is trying to hide them from you.”
Meshar Sasson, senior vice-president at Elbit Systems, told a defence conference of his dismay that France wanted to unilaterally impose stricter requirements. He expressed frustration, stating, “If you cannot beat them in technology, just hide them, right? That’s what it is because there’s no other explanation.”
The airshow is organized by the French Aerospace Industries Association. It is an exhibition of the most advanced technology and military hardware. The national and global political climate has cast a shadow over this year’s event, exposing deep divisions and tensions around militarized exhibitions.