UK Bans Israeli Government from London Arms Fair

The United Kingdom has barred Israeli government representatives from participating in the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) UK 2025, a major arms exhibition scheduled to take place in London next month, due to escalating tensions over Israel's military actions in Gaza. On Friday, the British Ministry of Defence stated, “We can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.” The biennial event, one of the world’s largest arms trade shows, is set to run from September 9 to 12. This decision follows a series of actions by the UK, including the suspension of some arms export licenses to Israel, a pause in free trade negotiations, and sanctions imposed on two far-right Israeli ministers over the ongoing assault on Gaza, where famine has taken hold due to severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. A UK government spokesperson said, “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. While Israeli government officials are barred, private Israeli defense companies, such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Uvision, will still be permitted to participate without an official government pavilion. Israel’s Defense Ministry condemned the UK’s decision, calling it a “deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination” and announced a complete withdrawal from the exhibition. Israeli media reported that the UK indicated the ban could be lifted if Israel commits to upholding international law in the occupied Palestinian territories. The move comes amid growing European pressure on Israel over its war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 62,600 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and at least 157,600 injuries, according to Palestinian health authorities.[

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