Israel slams Macron as a 'disgrace' over French arms fair ban

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant pictured at a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, 28 October 2023.

Israel's minister of defence has slammed French President Emmanuel Macron and called him a 'disgrace' after Israeli delegations were banned from exhibiting at an upcoming defence show near Paris.

Taking to social media on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant posted on X: "Macron's actions are a disgrace to the French nation and the values of the free world, which he claims to uphold. The decision to discriminate against Israeli defence industries in France a second time – aids Israel's enemies during war."

The comments came after France banned Israeli firms from exhibiting at a naval arms trade show next month and is the latest incident in a row fueled by the Macron government's unease over Israel's conduct in the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

The ban also follows the failure of French efforts to secure a truce in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and as Israel carries out more airstrikes on targets in the country.

It is the second time this year that France has banned Israel arms manufacturers from a major defence show.

In May, France said the conditions were not right for them to take part in the Eurosatory military trade show when President Macron was calling for Israel to cease operations in Gaza.

(With newswires)


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