UK Blocks Israeli Officials From London Arms Fair Amid Gaza Escalation

 

The British government has barred Israeli officials from attending a major arms exhibition in London next month, citing Israel’s expanded military campaign in Gaza.

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

Israel has traditionally maintained a significant presence at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, which brings together governments, military officials, and the global arms industry for a four-day event in the UK capital every two years.

Israeli Response

Israel’s defense ministry condemned the move, calling it “a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives.” The ministry confirmed that Israel will withdraw from the exhibition, arguing the decision “plays into the hands of extremists” and injects politics into what it described as a professional defense trade event.

Broader Diplomatic Pressure

The exclusion marks the latest in a series of steps taken by the UK to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside the leaders of France and Canada, is preparing to recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in September. Starmer has tied Britain’s recognition to Israel’s actions, saying the UK will support Palestinian statehood unless Israel eases the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, and commits to a two-state solution.

Since Starmer’s announcement in July, Israel has escalated its military operations and is preparing to occupy Gaza City.

Explaining its decision to block Israel’s participation at DSEI, the UK government said: “There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

Arms Industry Context

While Israeli officials have been barred, private Israeli arms companies will still be allowed to exhibit at the fair, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

Other European governments have also begun restricting Israel’s role at major defense expos. In June, France ordered Israeli arms manufacturers, including Elbit Systems and Rafael, to remove certain weapons from display at the Paris Airshow.

Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, Israel’s defense industry continues to grow. In August, Elbit Systems announced a $1.6 billion contract with a European customer. Figures released in June showed Israeli arms exports hit nearly $14.8 billion in 2024 — the fourth straight record year and more than double the figure from five years ago.

The global arms trade has surged as conflicts intensify across multiple regions, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).