UK bars Israeli government from London arms fair over Gaza war
In response, Israel’s Defence Ministry said it won’t have a national pavilion at the expo, but will permit private defence companies to attend
Israeli government representatives will not be invited to attend a London arms fair, a UK government spokesperson said on Friday, amid worsening diplomatic relations between Britain and Israel over Gaza.
“We can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025,” in September, said a defence ministry statement, referring to the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair.
Israeli defence companies will still be allowed to attend the biennial event. But Israel slammed the move taken against officials as “discrimination”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has in recent months suspended arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza, suspended trade talks with Israel and sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers in protest at the conduct of the war.
“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,” the UK government statement said.
“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,” it added.