The UK Ministry of Defense confirmed, "No Israeli government delegation has been invited to the 2025 DSEI UK defense exhibition" next month.

Israeli defense companies are still permitted to attend the biennial event.

In recent months, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has suspended arms export licenses for Israeli use in Gaza, halted free trade talks, and sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers in response to the country's actions in Gaza.

"The Israeli government was wrong to decide to continue the escalation of military activity in Gaza. There must be a diplomatic solution to end this conflict now, with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza," the UK government stated.

Visitors look at rifles during the DSEI defense exhibition in London, England, in 9/2023. Photo: AFP

Visitors look at rifles during the DSEI defense exhibition in London, England, in 9/2023. Photo: AFP

The Israeli Ministry of Defense reacted strongly to the UK's decision. "These restrictions are a deliberate act of discrimination against Israeli representatives. Accordingly, the Israeli Ministry of Defense will withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion," the ministry stated.

Last month, Prime Minister Starmer announced that the UK would recognize the State of Palestine in September if Israel did not take steps to improve the situation in Gaza, including agreeing to a ceasefire.

In June, France blocked access to the stands of several Israeli arms manufacturers at the Paris Air Show for displaying "sensitive weapons" related to the conflict in Gaza.

EU foreign ministers will discuss potential new sanctions against Israel and Hamas at a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 30/8. Sweden and the Netherlands have called for the bloc to take stronger action.

Huyen Le (AFP)