Netanyahu says France assures Israeli firms can take part in the Paris Air Show

The ban led to a strain in relations, although a French court overturned a government ban in October on Israeli companies taking part in a naval arms exhibition near Paris.

By REUTERS JANUARY 26, 2025 15:31

Macron and Netanyahu (illustrative). (photo credit: Bertrand Guay/Reuters, Canva, REUTERS/Nir Elias/Pool)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron had given him assurances that Israeli companies would be able to take part in the Paris Air Show.

The two had a phone conversation during which the assurance was given, according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.

Israeli defense companies were last year banned from participating in a defense industry exhibition held in Paris as Macron called for Israel to cease some military operations in Gaza.

The ban led to a strain in relations, although a French court overturned a government ban in October on Israeli companies taking part in a naval arms exhibition near Paris.

The Paris Air Show, the world's largest, is held every two years, alternating every other year with Farnborough in Britain. It is due to take place from June 16 until June 22.

A Boeing 777-9, a variant of the 777X, performs a flying display at the 54th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 20, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo)

Leading aerospace, aviation, and defense companies from around the world typically take part in both.

Ban background

A complex ceasefire reached this month between Israel and Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, which it has been fighting in Gaza, continues to hold, as does another truce agreement reached last year between Israel and Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah.