France bars Israeli firms from naval arms show, sparking diplomatic row

French authorities have prohibited Israeli firms from taking part in a naval arms show‚ leading to a diplomatic spat between the two nations. The event scheduled for Nov 4-7 2024 in Paris has become a point of contention as France expresses unease over Israels military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Yoav Gallant‚ Israels defense minister‚ didnt mince words in his response to the decision. He labeled French President Emmanuel Macronʼs actions “a disgrace“ and accused France of implementing a policy thats unfriendly towards Jewish people. Gallant stated that Israel would continue to defend itself on multiple fronts with or without Frances support.

The French government‚ however maintains its commitment to Israels security. Officials point out Frances military assistance in defending Israel against Iranian attacks earlier this year. Yet‚ Paris has been vocal in calling for an end to Israels operations in Gaza‚ where numerous Palestinian civilians have lost their lives.

This isnt the first time France has barred Israeli companies from a major defense exhibition. A similar decision was made for the Eurosatory military trade show about six months ago. The organizers of Euronaval (the current event in question) confirmed that seven Israeli firms were affected by the ban.

The diplomatic tension between Benjamin Netanyahu and Emmanuel Macron has been escalating. France‚ along with the United States‚ had been working to secure a truce in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However their efforts were thwarted when Israel launched strikes that resulted in the death of a Hezbollah leader – a move that caught both France and the US off guard.

The French Presidentʼs actions are a disgrace to the French nation and the values of the free world‚ which he claims to uphold

France has been particularly concerned about the safety of UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. With nearly 700 French troops among the 10000-strong UNIFIL force‚ France has condemned what the UN describes as Israeli attacks and violations against peacekeepers.

Macronʼs recent comments about Israels creation have further strained relations. During a cabinet meeting he reportedly reminded Netanyahu that Israel was established through a UN decision. This remark didnt sit well with the Israeli Prime Minister‚ who responded by emphasizing Israels establishment through the “War of Independence“ and the sacrifices of Holocaust survivors including those who had endured the Vichy regime in France.

As tensions continue to simmer‚ both nations find themselves at odds over the path forward in the Middle East. France advocates for diplomatic solutions and an end to the supply of offensive weapons used in Gaza‚ while Israel maintains its stance on defending against perceived threats in the region