UK blocks Israeli officials from London defense fair over Gaza war

The UK government has barred Israeli officials from participating in a major defense exhibition in London.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense has traditionally sent prominent delegations to DSEI, the massive arms and military equipment fair held every two years in the British capital.

However, a UK government spokesperson told POLITICO that Israeli officials will not be invited to this year’s event.

Officials clarified that Israeli defense companies will still be allowed to attend DSEI as usual, though their presence is expected to trigger large-scale protests.

“The Israeli government’s decision to escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to DSEI UK 2025,” the spokesperson said.

They added, “A diplomatic solution must be found to end this war. There should be an immediate ceasefire, the hostages must be returned, and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza must be increased.”

In recent months, London has gradually increased pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire. It has suspended trade talks and pledged to recognize a Palestinian state if Netanyahu does not change course.

The conference typically draws national delegations and private companies, with each country setting up its own pavilion. It remains unclear whether Israel will establish one this year.

DSEI is organized by Clarion Defence and Security Limited but enjoys significant support from the UK government and armed forces.

The British decision follows similar tensions at the Paris arms fair in June, where Israeli firms were ordered to withdraw certain weapons from display, a directive they ignored.

Officials involved in the UK ruling said the decision had been communicated to the Israeli government and that the ban could be lifted if Israel fulfills its commitments to uphold international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories.