France Reverses Ban on Israeli Companies After Short Diplomatic Clash

Diplomatic tension flared briefly on Tuesday between Israel and France, after Paris reversed a decision to bar eight Israeli companies from participating in a major international defense exhibition next week.

The incident began when Channel 12 reporter Yaron Avraham revealed that French authorities had notified Israel they would prevent eight out of forty-five Israeli defense firms from attending the Milipol Paris exhibition, set to open November 18. The French explanation reportedly stated that their participation “would pose a problem,” but did not specify the reason.

The report sparked outrage in Jerusalem, where senior officials described the move as “outrageous and discriminatory” and warned that “there will be a very harsh response.” According to the Israeli network, the decision stunned officials who feared it could further strain already tense relations with Paris amid disagreements over the Gaza war.

Within hours, after diplomatic contacts, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and informed him that the decision had been reversed. “All Israeli companies will be permitted to participate in the exhibition,” Sa’ar’s office confirmed.

One of the companies initially barred reportedly develops facial-recognition technology used by Israeli forces to identify terrorists in Gaza’s densely populated areas. French officials were said to have expressed concern that allowing such firms to attend could trigger protests by pro-Palestinian organizations in France.

Dr. Ron Tomer, president of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, harshly criticized the initial French decision. “The French government’s decision is not only outrageous but sets a dangerous precedent of political and national discrimination disguised as security considerations,” he said. “France, which claims to uphold the values of democracy, freedom of expression, and trade, has chosen to yield to political pressure and reward terror.”

Tomer urged the Israeli government to respond decisively, adding, “The Manufacturers Association will continue to fight in every possible forum to ensure that Israeli industry is neither silenced nor excluded.”

While the issue was resolved before escalating, Israeli officials warned that the incident reflected a growing pattern of political hesitation in Europe regarding cooperation with Israel’s defense sector since the start of the Gaza war.