Amid Israeli fury over French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to ban Israeli companies from participating in a major naval weapons exhibition, an official in Macron’s office denies that Israeli companies are being boycotted.
“There was never any intention to ban Israeli companies from participating – allowing access, visiting, holding meetings – in trade fairs in France,” said an Elysee Palace official. “Israeli companies interested in this will, of course, be able to participate in the Euronaval exhibition. There is nothing in the French government’s position that could be interpreted as a boycott of Israeli companies in Euronaval.”
Furthermore, the same source maintains that France’s support for Israel and its right to defend itself “has always been clear and without exception”.
“However”, explains the same official, “although French diplomacy clearly calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon – the only way to limit escalation and achieve peace and stability in the region – it would be inconsistent to allow any advance of weapons used in Gaza and Lebanon, causing unacceptable harm to the civilian population.”
Furthermore, it states that “we made it clear to the Israeli authorities that the participation of companies that create stands must reflect this balance, which is in line with France’s position”. Additionally, companies whose equipment is not used for aggressive operations in Gaza and Lebanon will, of course, be able to set up stands at the exhibition.”
Euronaval, organizer of the Nov. 4-7 fair, said in a statement last week that the French government informed it that Israeli delegations were not authorized to display stands or equipment, but could participate in the fair. The decision affected seven companies, he noted.