Israeli armament stands prohibited from access to the request of the French government – Liberation
THE Geopolitical tensions invited themselves to the Bourget show as soon as its opening this Monday, June 16, with the French government of the French Israeli armament manufacturers, against the backdrop of war in Gaza and conflict with Iran.
The stands of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael Uvision, Elbit and Aeronautics were that of high black tarpaulins, closing the stands. They exposed offensive weapons, such as those likely to be used in Gazain violation of the framework which had been approved with the Israeli authorities, argued a French source close to the file.
In a statement, the Israeli government denounced a « Scandalous and unprecedented decision »which creates a « segregation » against Israeli exhibitors. An Israeli exhibitor wrote to the chalk on the tarpaulin of Rafael Uvision that these armaments systems « »At this time protect the State of Israel»»saying: « The French government, in the name of discrimination, tries to hide them to you ».
For his part, Israeli President Isaac Herzog also castigated a decision « Scandalous ». « We were shocked to note this morning that the Israeli pavilions were curled and locked, preventing any access during the living room. Israeli companies have signed contracts with the organizers, they paid (…) It is like creating an Israeli ghetto (…) I find it scandalous and it must be corrected immediately ”he said on LCI.
Even strongly reduced, the presence of Israel, one of the leaders in advanced military capacities in aerospace, was already a source of tensions, while the State continues its offensive on Gaza and launched last week large -scale strikes against Iranwho retaliated.
The Bobigny judicial court had rejected on Tuesday June 10 the request of associations which requested the exclusion of the Israeli Business Fair in the name of the risk of perpetuation of perpetuation of perpetuation « International crimes ».
For their part, the elected officials of the department of Seine-Saint-Denis were not present on arrival this Monday morning of Prime Minister François Bayrou, unlike tradition, also in protest against the presence of these companies. On the spot, the head of government defended the show, ensuring that « Offensive weapons should not be present ».
Update at 12:49 p.m. with the reaction of the Israeli president and then at 2:47 p.m. with the speech of François Bayrou
