France allows Israeli firms to exhibit at major international security fair

ISTANBUL

France has authorized Israeli companies to take part in a major international homeland security and safety fair, French broadcaster BFMTV reported Monday.

French President Emmanuel Macron has approved “all Israeli companies that wish to do so” to exhibit at the Milipol Paris fair opening Tuesday, citing the entry into force of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 10, BFMTV reported, citing the Elysee.

The 24th edition of the leading biennial event, held under the auspices of the French Interior Ministry, is expected to host around 1,200 exhibitors this year, including 39 Israeli companies.

At the Paris Air Show in June, access to Israeli stands had been blocked off with walls and black tarpaulins following government orders banning the display of offensive equipment.

Israeli firms were also prevented from exhibiting at France’s Eurosatory land-defense show in spring 2024, and were only authorized at the last minute by court ruling to exhibit at the Euronaval show that autumn.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement entered into force on Oct. 10 under Egyptian-Qatari-US-Turkish mediation, though Israel has continued violations and has blocked progress to the second phase of the deal, which centers on security and administrative arrangements in the strip and Israeli withdrawals.