A French court hearing the petition by Israeli defense companies against the ban on displaying offensive weapons and blocking Israeli pavilions with black walls at the Paris Air Show has ruled that it lacks the authority to intervene in the French government’s decision.
This weekend the French government physically blocked Israeli defense firms from presenting their products at this week’s Paris Air Show, erecting a black wall around the Israeli exhibits to completely seal off the pavilions and block potential customers.
The disgraceful move was carried out in the middle of the night, after Israeli defense officials and companies had already finished setting up their displays.
After the French court declined to intervene, Israel responded with a more creative approach.
Israel's booth on the Paris air show after Macron didn't let Israel present.@ItaiCellier pic.twitter.com/3bqVhiUiVA
— Ella Travels (Ella Kenan) (@EllaTravelsLove) June 16, 2025
The French government’s black wall around the Israeli pavilions was instead adorned with a new message: “Our products are so good that the French government doesn’t want you to see them.”
The new message combined with myriad social media posts and mainstream media coverage of the French government’s debacle has probably garnered more positive publicity for Israeli defense firms than President Emmanuel Macron could have possibly imagined.
Israeli Industries announces to its customers and partners that, given the discriminatory decision of the French government blocking our participation in the Paris Air Show, we have decided to showcase our capabilities in a demonstration over Tehran.
You are invited to attend. pic.twitter.com/Ry8LTix0Tn— ???????? Sigol Gantiel ???????? (@GantielSigol) June 17, 2025
“The French government’s decision deliberately seeks to harm Israeli defense industries,” charged Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram.
“It’s regrettable and immoral to see discrimination based on extraneous considerations that mask French economic interests aimed at undermining the competition from the Israeli industry,” he said.
Nevertheless, the decision is unlikely to harm Israeli defense firms. “The scandalous French decision will achieve the opposite result,” Baram emphasized.
“Despite the French attempt to harm us, visitors, including heads of state and military leaders from around the world, flocked to the Israeli industry pavilions, proving that Israeli defense systems are more sought-after and attractive than ever.
“The entire world sees the exceptional achievements of Israeli systems in Iran and other arenas. Battlefield performance speaks for our products far better than any exhibition on French soil.”
