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The British government has blocked a delegation from the Israeli government from a global defence exhibition in London next month amid outrage over the Gaza war.
British PM Keir Starmer and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (Reuters/File)
The British government has blocked a delegation from the Israeli government from a global defence exhibition in London next month in opposition to its policies in the Gaza conflict, sparking allegations of discrimination.
“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025,” a UK government spokesperson was quoted as saying by BBC, a sign of worsening ties between Britain and Israel.
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This came after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government suspended arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza, suspended trade talks with Israel and sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers in protest at the conduct of the war.
“There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” said the spokesperson. However, Individual Israeli defence firms will still be allowed to exhibit at the trade show, which will take place from 9 to 12 September.
Israel Slams ‘Discrimination’
Israel accused the UK of “discrimination” after its officials were excluded from the trade show, and said the decision introduced “political considerations wholly inappropriate” for a global defence exhibition.
“These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives. Accordingly, the Israel Ministry of Defence will withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion,” said the Israeli ministry.
However, Israel said its industries that chose to participate would receive its “full support”.
DSEI is Britain’s flagship defence exhibition that takes place every two years in London’s Docklands. Hundreds of defence firms from all over the world showcase their military hardware and technology, so governments will have stands to boost their own industry.
UK-Israel Ties
The UK’s move came after France blocked access to the stands of several Israeli arms manufacturers at the Paris Air Show in June for displaying “offensive weapons”. Demonstrations are already planned for the opening of the London fair at the Excel London exhibition centre.
Israel has come under mounting international pressure to halt its campaign in Gaza, which has killed nearly 63,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave towards starvation. UN-backed experts have declared famine in Gaza and its surrounding areas, but Israel has continued to defend its operation.
In May, the UK suspended talks on a trade deal with Israel, summoned the country’s ambassador and imposed fresh sanctions on West Bank settlers. Last month, Starmer announced that Britain would recognise a Palestinian state in September if Israel did not take steps, including agreeing to a truce in the Gaza war.
(with inputs from AFP)
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
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