UK Bars Israeli Government From London Arms Fair AA Tensions Grow

Britain has confirmed that Israeli government representatives will not be invited to a major arms fair in London next month, deepening a diplomatic rift between both countries over the war in Gaza.

A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said on Friday:

“We can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025 in September.”

While Israeli defence companies will still be permitted to showcase their products at the biennial event, the exclusion of official representatives triggered sharp criticism from Israel, which branded the decision as discriminatory.

Israel’s defence ministry said in response:

“These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives. Accordingly, the Israeli Ministry of Defence will withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion.”

The move follows a series of measures taken by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government in recent months, including the suspension of arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza, the freezing of free trade talks, and sanctions against two far-right Israeli ministers.

The UK defence ministry further justified its position, stressing:

“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 the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

The announcement adds to growing international pressure on Israel. In June, France blocked several Israeli arms manufacturers from displaying “offensive weapons” at the Paris Air Show. Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are expected to meet in Copenhagen on Saturday to discuss possible new sanctions against both Israel and Hamas, with Sweden and the Netherlands already backing tougher measures.

Last month, Starmer went further, declaring that Britain would recognise a Palestinian state in September if Israel failed to agree to a truce in the Gaza conflict, which erupted after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.