Israel to take legal action against Macron over military trade show ban

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he ordered his ministry to initiate legal action against French President Emmanuel Macron after France banned Israeli firms from participating in a military naval trade show.

Euronaval, which is organising the show set to take place between 4 and 7 November in Paris, said last week that the French government had informed organisers that Israeli companies would not be allowed to set up exhibits or display their equipment, though they could attend the event. The decision impacted seven Israeli firms.

Katz said in a statement on X: "I have instructed the foreign ministry to take legal and diplomatic action against the decision of [Macron] to prevent Israeli companies from showcasing their products at the @SalonEuronaval exhibition in Paris next month.

"The boycott of Israeli companies for the second time, or the imposition of unacceptable conditions, are undemocratic measures that are not acceptable between friendly nations. I urge President Macron to cancel them entirely."