The True Post (Web News) Britain has announced that it will not invite Israeli government officials to the country’s largest arms fair, Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI UK 2025), due to growing concerns over the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis.
The fair will be held at the Excel Centre in London from September 9 to 12. The British government said in a statement that > “The Israeli government’s further escalation of military operations in Gaza is wrong. For this reason, we confirm that the Israeli government delegation will not be invited to DSEI UK 2025.” It should be recalled that in July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel did not take any clear steps towards a ceasefire in Gaza and a peace agreement with Hamas. The UK has previously banned the sale of weapons that Israel could use in the Gaza war. The decision applies only to Israeli government representatives. Israeli defense contractors and company representatives will be able to attend the fair, however, the Israeli Ministry of Defense described it as a “politically motivated decision” and said that it “strengthens the position of extremists.”
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, “These restrictions are deliberate discrimination against Israeli representatives, and they are deeply regrettable.” The Defense Ministry added that Israel is withdrawing from the fair and will not set up an official “national pavilion.” According to experts, the British decision reflects growing international pressure on Israel. Britain, Canada and France have already warned Israel that it will be forced to take “concrete measures” if operations in Gaza are not stopped. On the other hand, pro-Palestinian and anti-war organizations have announced that they will hold vigorous protests during the DSEI fair. The demonstrations are expected to put further pressure on the participants of the arms exhibition in London and the government.
