Macron’s office denies ban on Israeli firms at defense show amounts to boycott

Amid Israeli anger over French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to ban Israeli firms from exhibiting at a major naval arms show, an official in Macron’s office denies that Israeli companies are being boycotted.

“There was never any intention to prohibit Israeli companies from participating — allowing access, visiting, holding meetings — in trade exhibitions in France,” says an official in the Élysée Palace. “Israeli companies interested in this will of course be able to enter the Euronaval exhibition. There is nothing in the French government’s position that can be interpreted as a boycott of Israeli companies in Euronaval.”

The official argues that France’s support for Israel and its right to defend itself “has always been unequivocal and without exception.”

“However,” explains the official, “while French diplomacy is clearly calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon — the only way to curb the escalation and achieve peace and stability in the region — it would be inconsistent to allow any promotion of weapons used in Gaza and Lebanon, which cause unacceptable damage to the civilian population.”

The official says that “we made it clear to the Israeli authorities that the participation of the companies setting up booths must reflect this balance, which is in line with France’s position. Also, companies whose equipment is not used for offensive operations in Gaza and Lebanon will of course be able to set up booths at the exhibition.”

Euronaval, organizer of the November 4-7 event, said in a statement last week that the French government had informed it that Israeli delegations were not allowed to exhibit stands or show equipment, but could attend the trade show. The decision affected seven firms, it said.