The Defense Ministry of Israel strongly condemned France for using black partition walls to block off Israeli defense industry booths at the Paris Air Show because this action was deemed both outrageous and unprecedented.
The French government required black walls to surround Israeli pavilions showing offensive weapons because of diplomatic concerns about Gaza and Middle Eastern tensions. The black walls installed overnight at Le Bourget created a visual separation between Israeli defense exhibits and other international participants at the world-renowned aerospace event.
The French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou explained that the measure served to protect diplomatic interests while allowing industry participation. The Israeli companies received prior notice about offensive weapon restrictions yet some of them chose not to follow the rules. Bayrou explained that the regional tensions and French diplomatic stance made this measure essential.
The Israeli government demanded an immediate removal of the newly imposed restrictions which they strongly opposed. The decision to enforce the restrictions at the last minute received opposition from Israel which demanded an immediate reversal of the restrictions.
The French court made a decision to allow Israel to participate in the show after activists failed to obtain a ban. The exhibits can resume their operations after they meet the requirements set by France according to Bayrou. The move has intensified the diplomatic tension between Paris and Tel Aviv during a period of rising regional instability and increased international scrutiny of arms exports.
