LONDON: The British government has banned Israeli officials from participating in a major arms expo scheduled to take place in London next month, citing concerns over the escalation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
“The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025,” a government spokesperson told CNN.
Israel has traditionally maintained a significant presence at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, a major event held in London every two years that brings together governments, military officials, and defence industry leaders for a four-day conference.
In response to the UK government’s decision to bar Israeli officials from attending this year’s event, Israel’s Ministry of Defence condemned the move, calling it a “deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination.” A spokesperson confirmed that Israel will withdraw from the exhibition.
The spokesperson further criticised the decision, saying it “plays into the hands of extremists” and brings “political considerations into a professional defence industry platform, where they have no place.”
This exclusion marks the latest in a series of measures by the British government aimed at pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back military operations in Gaza and pursue a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with the leaders of France and Canada, is preparing to recognise a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Unlike France and Canada, however, Starmer made British recognition of a Palestinian state conditional on Israel’s actions. Starmer said the UK will recognise Palestinian statehood in September unless Israel addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, agrees a ceasefire with Hamas, and commits to a “long-term sustainable peace” and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Since Starmer’s announcement in July, Israel has drastically expanded its campaign in Gaza and is preparing to occupy Gaza City, the largest in the enclave.
Israel’s arms industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, with annual weapons sales reaching a record high in 2024 for the fourth year in a row, according to data released in June by the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
In 2024, Israeli arms exports totalled nearly $14.8 billion, up from $13 billion in 2023—more than double the value recorded just five years ago.
