France Appeals Paris Court Ruling Allowing Israeli Firms to Participate in Euronaval Expo

Paris (Quds News Network) — The French government filed an appeal today against a recent Paris commercial court ruling that permitted Israeli companies to participate in the European defense expo “Euronaval.”

The move comes two weeks after the court’s decision favored Israel’s petition to join the exhibition, a ruling which France stresses was politically motivated and beyond the court’s jurisdiction.

Last month, the court had approved the participation of Israeli arms firms following a petition from the Israeli Manufacturers Association, the Israeli Shipyards Association, and the Israel-France Chamber of Commerce. As a result, Israel’s “Maspenot Yisrael” had planned to showcase its naval innovations, including the “Reshef 80” patrol vessel and the “Mini Shaldag” ship designed for surveillance and interception, according to Israeli media.

Rising Tensions Over Arms Exhibitions

This legal dispute highlights the growing diplomatic tensions between Paris and the occupation state. France, which recently barred Israeli weapons firms from the “Eurosatory” arms fair in June, is reportedly using such measures to pressure Israel to halt its genocide in Gaza. President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal in urging a ban on the supply of weapons that could be used in assaults on Gaza and Lebanon.

The ongoing appeal, submitted to the Paris administrative court by a representative of the French government, aims to prevent Israeli participation in future arms exhibitions, particularly the upcoming “Air Salon” in June 2025. The French authorities contend that the court overstepped its mandate by allowing Israeli companies to participate in Euronaval, which concluded last week.

Israeli Outrage

In response to France’s latest legal move, the Israeli Manufacturers Association expressed its disappointment, emphasizing that they will continue to fight for ‘equal access to international exhibitions’. Dr. Ron Tomer, President of the Association, criticized France’s actions, stating, “We expect a democratic nation like France, which shares values of equality and justice with Israel, not to discriminate against Israeli companies.”

“We have hired top legal experts in France and will contest this at every level to ensure justice,” Tomer threatened, vowing that the Israeli flag will proudly fly at international exhibitions.