Britain Bans Israeli Officials From Attending Weapons Exhibition In London Next Month

JAKARTA - The British government has banned Israeli officials from attending a large arms show in London next month, considering the escalation of Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

The exhibition titled Defense and Security Equipment International 2025 is planned to be held in London on September 9-12.

"The Israeli government's decision to further enhance its military operations in Gaza is wrong. Therefore, we can confirm that no Israeli delegation will be invited to attend the 2025 UK DSEI," a government spokesman told CNN, as quoted August 29.

Previously, Israel had always participated in the Defense and Security Equipment International exhibition, which brought together the government, military, and arms industry in a four-day conference in the British capital every two years.

Israel's Ministry of Defense condemned the British Government's decision.

"This restriction is a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israeli representatives," a spokesman said, confirming Israel would withdraw from the exhibition.

The spokesman said the decision "is in favor of extremists" and "introduced political considerations that are completely inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition."

The ban is the UK Government's latest move to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza and agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Together with French and Canadian leaders, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing for the recognition of the Palestinian State at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

However, in contrast to France and Canada, PM Starmer established Britain's recognition of the Palestinian state on condition of Israel's actions. He said Britain would recognize the Palestinian State in September, unless Israel overcomes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas, and is committed to "long-term sustainable peace" as well as a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"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 Gaza people," a spokesman for the British Government said, following a ban on Israeli officials.

Although Israeli government officials were not invited, Israeli private weapons companies could still attend, a UK Defense Ministry spokesman told CNN.