UK bars Israel from participating in prestigious arms fair

A British government spokesman told Politico that London has informed the Israeli government it is banning any official delegation from the Israeli Ministry of Defense from attending the DSEI arms fair, which is expected to be held in London in September.

The decision was taken amid ongoing fighting in Gaza. However, it was reported that private Israeli companies will be allowed to participate and display their products at the exhibition.

The Ministry of Defense usually has a prominent presence at the fair, which is one of the largest arms and military technology exhibitions in the world and is held in the city every two years. But a British government spokesman made clear that Israel will not be invited this time, with the fair scheduled to take place in London from 9 to 12 September.

The British spokesman told Politico: “The Israeli government’s decision to escalate the military operation in Gaza is wrong. Accordingly, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to the arms fair.”

He added that “a diplomatic solution must be found to end the war — an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages, and increased humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza.”

Over the past few months, London has gradually stepped up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire. Measures taken have included halting negotiations on new trade agreements and even issuing a final warning that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel continued its military operations in Gaza.