No UK Invite For Israeli Government Delegation To DSEI | Aviation Week Network
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Robert Wall
August 29, 2025
The biennial Defence and Security Exhibition (DSEI) runs from 12-15 Sept featuring the latest technology in Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security and Joint zones, with worldwide exhibitors represented.
Credit: Malcolm Park/Alamy Live News Stock Photo
The UK government says it will not extend an invitation to the Israeli government to have a delegation present at the upcoming DSEI defense expo in London, in a diplomatic rift that does not extend to industry.
Tension has been increasing between Tel Aviv and several European capitals over Israel’s conduct of the military operation in the Gaza Strip.
“The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,” the UK government said, adding that, “As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”
The Israeli government blasted the move, calling it discriminatory and regrettable. “Accordingly, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) will withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion,” the Israeli government said.
Both governments made clear Israeli arms makers would be free to attend the event, with some indicating they still planned to exhibit and attend DSEI, which takes place from Sept. 9 in London. The situation follows a decision by the French government to bar some Israeli companies from their stands at the Paris Air Show in June, demanding they remove some displays from their stands.
The DSEI expo historically has been the subject of protests, often small-scale, by advocacy groups opposed to the defense industry. The UK government noted it was working with organizers and the local police force “to ensure there are robust security measures in place.”
