France has ordered black partition walls to be erected around Israeli defense industry exhibits displaying offensive weapons at the Paris Air Show due to tensions over Israel’s actions in Gaza. The move was made by French authorities after a court ruled against activist groups who sought to block Israeli companies from participating.
The partitions appeared overnight ahead of the show’s opening, isolating Israeli booths from other international exhibitors. However, some Israeli companies did comply with the request and covered up their displays. France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said the decision was made to allow Israeli companies to display aviation technology but not offensive weapons, citing concerns over Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Ministry has accused the French government of “ugly and improper” action, claiming that the restriction on displaying offensive weapons is an attempt to exclude them from an international exhibition. The ministry also criticized France’s diplomatic choices regarding Israel.
A French official said that Israeli exhibitors were told weeks ago not to display offensive weaponry, but some still refused. Air show organizers say the decision lies with the French government, and security personnel covered up graffiti on the black partitions around one Israeli company’s stand.
The move has sparked protests from activists who claim it is a form of discrimination against Israel. An Israeli representative said that the displays are used to protect people and free hostages, and called for the show to be reopened.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/paris-air-show-israel-black-walls-ffdec5d4aec1f7b070e9058cdf4560bf