JERUSALEM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron has stressed the importance of Israel taking part in next June’s Paris Air Show.

Last year, France barred Israel from participating in a naval weapons exhibition, citing its war on Lebanon and ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said that Netanyahu spoke this afternoon with French President Emmanuel Macron, who stressed the importance of Israel's participation in the 55th Paris Air Show.

The show is scheduled for June 16-22.

Netanyahu and Macron also discussed the latest developments in Gaza and Lebanon – both under ceasefires, but with Israeli violations – according to the statement.

As of yet, no official French statement on the matter was available.

Previously, Macron called for halting arms shipments to Israel over its offensive in Gaza.

Last October, Spain also announced its decision to bar Israel from taking part in the May 2025 International Defense and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) in Madrid.

A ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war that has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured more than 111,000 since Oct. 7, 2023.

The Israeli onslaught has left more than 11,000 people missing, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many women, elderly people, and children.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

​​​​​​​Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala