The British government did not allow Israeli representatives to attend a major international weapon and military equipment fair DSEI, which takes place in London every two years and will take place from 9 to 12 September this year. TASR informs about this on the basis of a Thursday report of Politico.eu referring to a spokesman for the British government.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense was in the past at DSEI at the leading level, but this year its representatives did not receive an invitation.
“The decision of the Israeli government further escalates military operation in the Gaza Strip is incorrect. As a result, we can confirm that the Israeli government delegation will not be invited to DSEI UK 2025,” the British government spokesman said.
Appealing to a diplomatic solution
He added that it is necessary to quickly find a diplomatic conflict resolution, stop the war, achieve a ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages and intensify humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.
According to British government officials, Israeli arms companies will be able to attend the fair as usual, but their presence is expected to cause extensive protests.
Politico stated that Britain has been increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent months to close the ceasefire. Among other things, she suspended negotiations on the Commercial Agreement and Prime Minister Keir Starmer threatened that if Israel does not approach a ceasefire with the militant Hamas movement, the United Kingdom at the UN General Assembly will recognize the Palestinian State at the September meeting.
The abolition of the prohibition has conditions
Informed sources said the Israeli Party has been informed that the prohibition could be abolished if Israel undertakes to observe an international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
DSEI is organized by Clarion Defense and Security, but receives significant support from the British government and the armed forces. The organizers of the exhibition refused to comment on the ban and the Israeli embassy in London did not respond immediately to the request for an opinion.
The British Government’s decision follows the controversy at the June Paris Aviation Fair when Israeli companies were asked to remove some weapons from the exposition, but refused to do so.
