The British government has banned Israeli officials from attending the leading defence conference in the country's capital, London, next month due to ongoing criticism of the Israeli government's questionable conduct in the Gaza invasion.
Israel’s defence ministry has previously sent its senior government representatives to DSEI, a vast exhibition of arms, ordnance and military equipment in the country every year. However, a government spokesperson, over the fears of the fierce domestic criticism and protest, said on Thursday that no Israeli delegation would be invited to attend this year.
He said, “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”
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Earlier, French authorities also banned the Israeli corner in the Paris arms show and closed down the space over what France said was “questionable and unacceptable behaviour” of the Tel Aviv forces in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel’s defence ministry later confirmed the event and said that it would not participate in the annual gathering following the UK move. The ministry confirmed it would not set up a national pavilion at DSEI but added that Israeli defence companies choosing to attend would continue to receive its support.
Israel's war on Gaza has killed more than 62,300 people, including children and women. The attacks on civilian infrastructure have caused injuries to more than 150,000 people while leaving thousands more buried under the rubble.
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