Israeli booths were boarded up overnight at Eurosatory in Villepinte after French authorities tightened participation rules to defensive air and missile systems only. The move hit exhibitors including Elbit Systems, IAI and Rafael, and turned a regulatory dispute into an operational one on the show floor.
Organisers closed stands that they said did not comply with the conditions set by French authorities, while some displays stayed open after offensive content was removed. Israel’s defence ministry called the action discriminatory, saying the companies had already restricted themselves to defensive products. The episode will shape how Israeli suppliers approach future European shows, from product mix to stand strategy.