The British government has announced that it will not invite Israeli officials to attend the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) fair(arms exhibition ) in London, scheduled to take place from September 9-12.
This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the UK and Israel over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. The UK’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the ban, stating, “We can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”
The UK’s decision to bar Israeli officials follows the suspension of some weapons export licenses to Israel, the freezing of free trade negotiations, and sanctions imposed on two far-right Israeli ministers over the assault on Gaza.
The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with famine taking hold in Gaza due to Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid. The British government expressed its concern, saying, “the Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong.
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.”
Despite the ban on government officials, Israeli defense companies will still be allowed to participate in the exhibition, albeit without official representation.
However, Israel’s defense ministry has denounced the move as “a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination” and has decided to withdraw from the exhibition entirely.
According to reports, the ban could be reversed if Israel commits to upholding international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
This decision is part of a broader trend of European countries increasing pressure on Israel over its actions in Gaza. In May, France barred Israeli arms manufacturers from displaying “offensive weapons” at the Paris Air Show.
European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss further sanctions against Israel, with Sweden and the Netherlands leading the calls for tougher action.
The UK’s stance on the Gaza conflict has been further emphasized by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who pledged to recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel refuses to agree to a truce and take concrete steps towards ending its occupation.
The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 62,600 Palestinians killed and at least 157,600 wounded, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The international community has been critical of Israel’s actions, with South Africa bringing a case at the International Court of Justice alleging that Israel is in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Israel denies deliberately targeting civilians. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the UK’s decision to bar Israeli officials from the arms exhibition underscores the growing divide between Israel and its allies over the Gaza conflict.