Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on August 29, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleThe UK has barred Israeli officials from its largest defence show, citing Gaza conflict escalation, impacting Israel's participation.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain has barred Israeli officials from its biggest defence trade show over its escalation of the war against Hamas in Gaza, its latest effort to pressure a historically close ally over the conflict.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government said in July it would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel took steps to relieve suffering in the enclave and met other conditions, enraging the Israeli government.
Israel's Ministry of Defence said that as a result of the trade fair ban it would not run its national pavilion as it has done previously at London's Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) event.
Israeli defence companies, such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision, will still be able to attend.
Britain's move had echoes of a dispute at the Paris Air Show three months ago, when France blocked off with black partitions the stands of Israeli defence companies after they refused to remove attack weapons from display, sparking a furious response from Israel.
A British government spokesperson said on Friday that the Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza was wrong.
"As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025."
"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," the spokesperson added.
Israel said Britain's decision was a "regrettable act of discrimination" and "introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition".
The four-day show, due to open on September 9, features national delegations and private companies, who showcase military kit and weapons at London's Excel centre. The event takes place every other year.
DSEI is organised by a private company, Clarion Defence and Security, but with backing from the British government and the military.
(Reporting by Sarah Young and Lili BayerEditing by Kate Holton and Frances Kerry)
Britain barred Israeli officials from its biggest defence trade show due to Israel's escalation of the war against Hamas in Gaza.
The DSEI UK 2025 event is a major defence trade show where national delegations and private companies showcase military equipment and weapons.
Israel described Britain's decision as a 'regrettable act of discrimination' and stated that it introduces inappropriate political considerations for a professional defence exhibition.
The UK government indicated it would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel took steps to alleviate suffering in Gaza and met other unspecified conditions.
Yes, Israeli defence companies like Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI, and Uvision will still be able to attend the event despite the ban on Israeli officials.
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