Tensions escalated between France and Israel after French authorities shut down four major Israeli defense company stands at the Paris Air Show.
The move was triggered after Israeli firms allegedly defied a French directive to remove offensive weapons from public display.
A source told Reuters the order came from a French security agency, citing “security and policy concerns.”
The affected companies include Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Uvision.
French authorities took action after the Israeli firms refused to remove kinetic weapons and missile systems from their booths.
In response, organizers reportedly erected a tall black partition wall, blocking Israeli stands from public view.
The wall went up overnight after Israeli teams had completed their setups, causing outrage in Tel Aviv.
Israel’s Ministry of Defence condemned the move as “outrageous and unprecedented,” blaming both politics and French commercial interests.
“This reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations,” the Israeli defense ministry said in a strongly worded statement.
The shutdown does not affect smaller Israeli stands without hardware on display or the Israeli Ministry of Defence’s own booth.
France has traditionally been a strong ally of Israel but has recently distanced itself from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military policies.
President Emmanuel Macron last week voiced concern over Israel’s strikes on Iran, despite reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
A diplomatic source suggested France’s action was designed to align its security posture with public sentiment and EU policy shifts.
Israeli defense executives were incensed, viewing the decision as politically motivated censorship.
IAI CEO Boaz Levy drew a controversial historical comparison.
“These black walls remind us of dark days when Jews were isolated in Europe,” Levy said.
Elbit Systems echoed similar sentiments, accusing France of shielding its domestic defense industry from fair competition.
“France is hiding behind politics to exclude our superior technology,” an Elbit official told reporters on site.
Some European defense analysts believe France acted to avoid backlash amid global criticism over the Gaza conflict.
But critics argue the move undermines the spirit of international cooperation that the Paris Air Show represents.
Observers say the incident may trigger broader diplomatic tensions unless resolved swiftly.
No official comment has yet been made by President Macron’s office or the French defense ministry.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials are reportedly considering formal protests and trade responses.
The Paris Air Show continues through June 23, with Israeli booths still shrouded in silence and black canvas.