UK blocks Israeli officials from attending major London defence exhibition
Government confirms 'no Israeli delegation' invited to the DSEI UK 2025 conference as a result of Netanyahu's decision to escalate Gaza war
The UK government has blocked Israel defence ministry officials from attending a major annual defence conference in London after citing Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to escalate the war in Gaza.
The DSEI UK 2025 defence conference takes place next month in the capital, and usually sees Israeli government and military officials in attendance to view the exhibition of weapons and other military equipment.
It’s website states:”DSEI UK is a pivotal event for the global defence industry.
“As the flagship defence event for the UK, DSEI UK promotes the UK’s defence ethos, agenda and leadership while encouraging opportunity and cooperation with our global allies.
“The world’s leading defence organisations and most influential stakeholders rely on DSEI UK’s unique ability to bring the right people together, at the same time. ”
But a Ministry of Defence spokesperson has confirmed to the Politico newsite:”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.”
They added: “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.”
UK officials said the Israeli government had been informed of the ban, which they added could be lifted if it demonstrated a commitment to upholding international humanitarian law in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel’s foreign ministry immediately described the decision to block their attendance at the event as “harmful and disgraceful”.
They added the decision was a political step that “serves extremists, grants legitimacy to terror, and is driven by political considerations that fall outside the professional and customary framework of international defence exhibitions.”
But a decision that is likely to cause anger amongst anti-war and pro-Palestine activists, Whitehall sources also confirmed that Israeli arms companies will still be able to take part in DSEI.
Their presence is expected to draw large-scale protests outside the conference, which is held at London’s Excel exhibition centre.
Conference attendees include a mix of national delegations and private firms, with each country designated its own pavilion.
Reports said it was not clear whether Israel would still hold a dedicated pavilion.
DSEI is organized by Clarion Defence and Security Limited, but receives major support from the U.K. government and armed forces.
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