Britain will not invite Israeli government representatives to a prominent defense trade show next month, marking another diplomatic rebuke over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The UK government announced Israeli officials would be excluded from the Defense and Security Equipment International exhibition scheduled for September 9-12 in London. A government spokesperson told CNN that Israel’s decision to intensify operations in Gaza prompted the exclusion.
“The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025,”the spokesperson said, confirming no Israeli delegation would attend DSEI UK 2025.
The exhibition typically attracts defense officials and military contractors from around the world for the four-day event held every two years in London’s Docklands area. Israel has historically maintained substantial participation in the show.
While government officials face exclusion, Israeli defense companies may still participate without official state representation or a national display pavilion.
Israeli defense officials condemned Britain’s decision as discriminatory. A ministry spokesperson said the move represented “a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives” and announced Israel would completely withdraw from the exhibition.
The spokesperson criticized injecting “political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition” and claimed the decision aids extremist groups.
The exclusion extends Britain’s recent diplomatic pressure campaign targeting Israeli policies. Previous actions include restricting certain weapons sales licenses, halting trade agreement discussions, and sanctioning two Israeli government ministers over Gaza operations.
Similar European actions have targeted Israeli defense participation at international events. France previously restricted Israeli weapons displays at the Paris Air Show in May. European Union officials plan to discuss additional sanctions during weekend meetings in Copenhagen.
Reports indicated Britain suggested the ban could be lifted if Israel committed to following international law in Palestinian territories.
