Israeli officials have been blocked from attending London’s upcoming major defense conference, a spokesperson for the UK government told Politico on Thursday.
The decision was “directly linked” to Israel’s war in Gaza, the source said.
Despite government officials being barred from the conference, Israeli arms companies will still be welcome to partake in the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition.
“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,” a spokesman for the exhibition said, adding that the presence of Israeli arms companies is expected to draw “large-scale protests.”
"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."
Israeli response
"These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives," the Defense Ministry said in response to the decision, adding that any Israeli industries that choose to participate in DSEI would receive the government's full support.
"At a time when Israel is engaged on multiple fronts against Islamist extremists and terrorist organisations - forces that also threaten the West and international shipping lanes - this decision by Britain plays into the hands of extremists, grants legitimacy to terrorism, and introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition."
Israel-UK defense and security relations
In July, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, leading Israel to reportedly consider withdrawing defense and security cooperation, diplomatic sources told The Times earlier this month.
According to the report, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is examining potential options for retaliation against the UK's intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
The Times cited another source as saying, "London needs to be careful because [Benjamin Netanyahu] and his ministers have cards they could play too. Israel values its partnership with the UK, but recent decisions mean it is coming under pressure, and the UK has a lot to lose if Israel's government decides to take steps in response."