French court overturns Pres Macron’s decision to ban Israeli companies from naval defense exhibit

A French court ruled on Wednesday that Israeli companies will be allowed to participate in the French Euronaval World Defence Exhibition, a major international naval defense exhibit. The ruling overturned a decision by the government of French President Emmanuel Macron, which banned Israeli defense companies from exhibiting at the event being held near Paris during the first week of November.

The Paris Commercial Court said the French government's decision does not comply with the rules of the free market in the European Union and is contrary to the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed the court’s decision, posting on 𝕏: “Congratulations to the Israeli petitioners in the French court on their significant victory against the unjust and undemocratic decision by the French government to prevent Israeli companies from participating in the @SalonEuronaval exhibition. This outcome, achieved in part through the legal and diplomatic efforts of the Foreign Ministry, is a critical win for justice and a clear message against attempts to weaken Israel in its fight against forces of evil.”

The petition to the court was filed by the Manufacturers Association of Israel, the Israel-France Chamber of Commerce and representatives of major Israeli defense firms that were slated to present at the expo.

Back in June, France denied 74 Israeli companies access to the world’s largest defense arms exhibit, Eurosatory 2024.

Dr. Ron Tomer, president of the Manufacturers Association, said: "No government or organizing body will stop us and to the extent that there are such attempts in the future, we will make it clear to everyone that MADE IN ISRAEL will continue to be proudly displayed at international exhibitions and conferences.”

Earlier this month, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called Macron’s decision a “disgrace to the French nation and the values of the free world.”

He wrote on 𝕏: “The decision to discriminate against Israeli defense industries in France a second time aids Israel’s enemies during war. This builds on the decision to place an arms embargo on the Jewish State. France has adopted, and is consistently implementing a hostile policy towards the Jewish people. We will continue defending our nation against enemies on 7 different fronts, and fighting for our future – with or without France.”

On Oct. 5, Macron called for an arms embargo on Israel and urged the pursuit of a political solution to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lambasted Macron’s remarks as a “disgrace” in a video message to Western world leaders.  

“Is Iran imposing an arms embargo on Hezbollah, on the Houthis, on Hamas and on its other proxies?” Netanyahu asked. “Of course not. This axis of terror stands together.” 

On Tuesday, a report published on Ynet News highlighted further evidence of the French government’s bias against Israel, noting that more than 200 French companies showcased at the Euronaval tradeshow are known licensed suppliers for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces and the Iranian coast guard.

Notably, some of these French firms were conducting business with Iranian companies that are restricted under U.S. sanctions.