British authorities announce that Israeli officials have not received invites for the upcoming London arms trade event
The UK government has expressed its concern over the Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza. In a statement, the government called for a diplomatic solution to end the conflict, urging an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
In response to Israel's actions, the UK government has suspended arms export licenses for use in Gaza and has also suspended free trade talks with Israel. The government has further sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers in protest at Israel's conduct of the war.
In a significant move, the UK government has decided not to attend DSEI UK 2025, a major defence and security exhibition, in solidarity with the Israeli government. The government has also announced that it will not invite Israeli government representatives to attend the event in September.
Israeli defence companies will still be allowed to attend DSEI UK 2025, but Israel's ministry of defence has decided to withdraw from the event and will not establish a national pavilion. The ministry has reacted furiously to the ban, stating it as a "deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel's representatives". Israel has also criticised the UK government's decision as "discrimination" against Israeli representatives.
France previously blocked access to the stands of several Israeli arms manufacturers at the Paris Air show for displaying "offensive weapons". The UK government's decision not to invite Israeli government representatives to DSEI UK 2025 is seen as a continuation of this trend.
The British Prime Minister who sanctioned Israel for its actions in the Gaza conflict is Keir Starmer. Israel has criticised the move, with the Israeli defence ministry stating that the UK government's decision is a "deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel's representatives".
This decision by the UK government is a significant move in the ongoing tension between the two countries and is part of a growing international pressure on Israel to end its military operation in Gaza.
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