‘Israeli’ government representatives will not be invited to attend an upcoming arms fair in London, a UK government spokesperson said Friday, amid worsening diplomatic relations between Britain and ‘Israel’ over the war on Gaza.

 

"We can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025" next month, noted a ministry of defence statement emailed to AFP.

 

“The Israeli government’s decision to escalate its military activity in Gaza is wrong,” the statement added. “There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now — with an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages and increased humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.”

 

‘Israeli’ defence companies will still be allowed to attend the biennial event, considered one of the world’s leading defense exhibitions.

 

The UK notified ‘Israel’ that the ban could be lifted if it committed to “upholding international law in the occupied Palestinian territories,’ said officials familiar with the matter cited by Yedioth Ahronoth.

 

‘Israel’ accused Britain of "discrimination" after the ban.

 

"These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel's representatives. Accordingly, the Israel Ministry of Defense will withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion," the ministry said in a statement.

 

The DSEI UK 2025 arms fair will be held from September 9-12. The UK said ‘Israeli’ defense companies can still participate but with no official government representation.

 

The ‘Israeli’ defense ministry claimed the UK had acted “unilaterally” when ‘Israel’ is “at war on multiple fronts against radical Islamist elements that also threaten Western countries and international shipping routes.”

 

“In doing so, the UK has taken a step that serves extremists, legitimizes terrorism and stems from political considerations outside the professional framework of global defense exhibitions,” the statement added.