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The
court’s ruling on Wednesday night came just days before the
international naval defense show is set to open in Le Bourget,
outside Paris.
The ban, imposed earlier this month, had sparked outrage from
Israel, with officials accusing French President Emmanuel Macron
’s administration of discriminatory practices. Euronaval
organizers had announced that Israeli companies could only
participate if they did not exhibit equipment linked to
operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz praised the court’s
decision on X, calling it a “significant victory” for Israel. He
added that the outcome was a “critical win for justice” and “a
clear message against attempts to weaken Israel in its fight
against forces of evil.”
The legal battle was driven by the Manufacturer’s Association of
Israel and several defense companies, who filed a petition
arguing that the ban violated free trade principles.
The French government defended the initial restrictions as
consistent with its calls for a cease-fire in the Middle East.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told parliament that
promoting arms used in Gaza and Lebanon would undermine France’s
diplomatic efforts. Despite this, the court sided with the
petitioners, allowing Israeli firms like Rafael and Elbit
Systems to present their full range of defense technology.
Euronaval, one of the premier naval defense exhibitions
globally, will host over 300 companies from 30 countries. The
event will open as war roils the Middle East, with exhibitors
facing international scrutiny over arms sales fueling conflicts.
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