Britain, Israel, and the Arms Fair: Gaza’s Shadows Eclipse Invitations

29th August 2025

2 minutes read

Britain, Israel, and the Arms Fair: Gaza’s Shadows Eclipse Invitations

The shadows of Gaza have “eclipsed” invitations for Israeli officials to attend an upcoming arms exhibition scheduled for next month in the British capital, London.

On Friday, a spokesperson for the British government announced that London would not be inviting representatives of the Israeli government to the forthcoming international arms fair in London, amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Israel due to the Gaza war.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence and transmitted to AFP, it was confirmed: “I can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025,” the International Defence and Security Equipment Exhibition scheduled for September.

However, the statement pointed out that Israeli defense companies would still be able to participate in the event, which takes place every two years.

Accusations of “discrimination”
Israel was quick to denounce the move, describing it as a form of “discrimination” against it.

In recent months, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has suspended arms export licenses to Israel in order to prevent their use in Gaza.

At the same time, London suspended free trade negotiations with Tel Aviv and imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers in protest at Israel’s conduct in the conflict.

In its statement, the British government declared that “the Israeli government’s decision to escalate its military operation in Gaza is a mistake.”

It further stressed: “There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war immediately, with an urgent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.”

Israel responds
The Israeli Ministry of Defence reacted angrily to the decision.

In a statement, it said: “These restrictions amount to deliberate and regrettable discrimination against Israeli representatives. As a result, the Israeli Ministry of Defence will withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion.”

Recognition of Palestine
Last month, Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom would recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes certain steps, including agreeing to a truce in the Gaza war sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack.

In June, France also barred several Israeli arms companies from showcasing their products at the Paris Air Show, arguing that they were presenting “offensive weapons.”

Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss new sanctions against Israel and Hamas during a meeting scheduled for Saturday in Copenhagen.

Sweden and the Netherlands have already called for stronger European action.