The Paris Air Show is the world’s largest aviation trade fair, and it kicked off today. While I mainly cover the commercial aviation side of this, there’s also a military aspect to the event. Along those lines, the biggest headline coming out of the event today doesn’t involve Riyadh Air’s A350 order or LOT Polish Airlines’ A220 order, but instead, conflict over Israeli displays.
In this post:
France blocks Israeli weapons stands at Paris Air Show
France has today shut down the display stands of the main Israeli defense companies at the Paris Air Show, including for Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI, and Uvision. However, the parties disagree as to how reasonable this decision was, and whether this was communicated in advance.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou claims to have told all exhibitors ahead of the event that offensive weapons would be prohibited from display, and claims that Israel’s embassy in Paris had agreed to this. He claims that Israeli companies violated the rules, and they could resume their exhibits if they comply with this requirement.
Bayrou told reporters that this decision was made based on France’s diplomatic stance, and in particular, its “very great concern about Gaza.” Therefore the government felt it was unacceptable to show attack weapons at the show.
The booths were shut down by large black partitions being placed in front of them. It’s worth noting that smaller Israeli stands, which didn’t have hardware on display, plus the Israeli Ministry of Defense stand, remained open.
One Israeli company, Elbit Systems, responded to the decision to put up a black partition by writing text on it — “OUR PRODUCTS ARE SO GOOD THAT THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT DOESN’T WANT YOU TO SEE THEM.”
Israel calls decision outrageous and unprecedented
Israel’s defense ministry is calling this decision “outrageous and unprecedented,” and states that “the decision reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations.” The ministry went on to add that “the French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition — weapons that compete with French industries.”
That’s a key point, because Israel seems to think that France is just trying to avoid competition. The ministry is filing court petitions against the decision, and claims that the black partitions that were placed in front of these displays are reminiscent of “the dark days of when Jews were segmented from European society.”
Bezhalel Machlis, CEO of Elbit Systems, one of the exhibitors, said the following:
“Sixty years after Elbit Systems was founded — on the eve of the Six-Day War and in the shadow of the French arms embargo — we are once again witnessing a blatant and aggressive act by the French Government. This embarrassing attempt to ‘conceal’ Elbit Systems’ groundbreaking technology behind a fictitious cover will prove futile — just as it did 60 years ago.”
“Our world-leading technology continues to prove itself operationally and commercially, with growing demand across Europe and beyond. Elbit Systems remains committed to global leadership, innovation, and partnership. ‘But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.’ (Exodus 1:12)”
Bottom line
An Israeli weapons display at the Paris Air Show is causing a bit of a diplomatic spat. France claims that it warned vendors that they couldn’t display certain weapons, and that the Israeli embassy agreed to that. Israel largely denies this, and claims that France is simply trying to protect its own industries, and avoid competition.
This is now even being litigated, but for the time being, the displays have been blocked off. Talk about some drama…
Is there some kind of pathetic group somewhere that's focused on travel and point blogs and can muster a small bunch of extremely whiny people when posts like these are made on one of them? Talk about a group that I would never want to be a member of. What do they expect Lucky to do, bow down in obeisance to them and apologize profusely for offending their sensibilities? Talk about candidates for mandatory sterilization.
Yet again, so much for "Liberté" in France. We are told so often how free many of these European nations are. Yet we saw earlier this year on 60 Minutes, the blatant attack on free speech by the German government. Now we see blatant censorship or speech by the French government. And this doesn't even address that it appears that a motive for their censorship of these Israeli defense companies was due to appeasement of terrorists in Gaza.
I am very disappointed that a post like this appears in a blog on points and travel.
Aw, poor sensitive baby. This has direct relevance to points and travel, and if you're using this place as a method of escape from the real world, you're more pathetic than even I thought.
This is a positive development. The more Israeli military businesses go bust the better it is for humanity.
One can sense a wind-up post from an Iranian AI Bot or sympathiser?
Hardly - Israel is a state that is committing genocide (illegal) while continuing to appropriate Palestinian land (also illegal) while also starting a war with Iran (again, illegal).
And, lest you take pot shots at labeling criticism of Israel as being ‘antisemitic’, Harvard Law’s Noah Feldman does not define legitimate criticism of Israel as being remotely antisemitic.
I think you meant that Israel is a state that is defending itself from terrorism and is proactive in preventing a potential threat from gaining nuclear capability. I won't get into whether your motives are antisemitic or not, but whether someone in the Harvard ivory tower thinks it is or is not has zero bearing on whether it actually is or is not.
Bee, thank you for being true to your login name …. “Bumbling” along in your mindset.
There’s nothing ‘bumbling’ about calling out the AIPAC ideology drawing the U.S. into an illegitimate war with Iran or for calling out Israel’s highly illegal actions using facts (which are pretty much the opposite of AIPAC talking points).
Government censorship of speech is a "positive development?"
What does this have to do with points or travel?
Shutting down TLV has direct relevance to travel, I should think.
This blog has really gone downhill as Ben is fishing for clicks. This has absolutely nothing to do with travel
Unfortunately whatever side of this conflict we are on, I have to agree with this. This comment section is less aviation, travel, cards, and more how to we kill more people and create more bloodshed
Thank you Ben, you have enlivened the readers and given those interested in the history of the Middle East, an opportunity to ‘take chunks’ out of the ignorant and antisemites.
Thanks, Tim.
Well past your bedtime, our dear little "British" friend.
you are so utterly confused that it isn't worth trying to get you back on track.
You gotta admit that the Israelis know how to kick butt when it counts.
Till today, you have not provided one credible argument how to resolve the conflict in Middle East and what solution is there for the people there. You are the most bs user here. Also I love how you played the antisemitism card, just because you criticize the army and government of Israel for their over the top and illogical actions, oh no, we are antisemites asking for a new holocaust. Might as well start saying...
Till today, you have not provided one credible argument how to resolve the conflict in Middle East and what solution is there for the people there. You are the most bs user here. Also I love how you played the antisemitism card, just because you criticize the army and government of Israel for their over the top and illogical actions, oh no, we are antisemites asking for a new holocaust. Might as well start saying we are Nazis and we want Russians to be send to concentration camps because well caucusing Russian government and there army is asking for the heads of Slavs. So dumb.
Can you please answer to the question I asked you several times? How do you justify the killing of 55000+ Palestinians, most of whom are civilians and 15000+ are children? And let’s not forget the millions who are dying from hunger because Israel has decided to limit aid to just a few dozen trucks everyday (half the time they don’t even enter) when Gaza needs at least 500+ trucks of aid everyday and that’s AT LEAST
This has very little to do with aviation or travel…
Besides this issue is a non starter, Israel agreed to terms when they choose to have booths in the floor, they broke it, now they get punished. Simple. Russia had way worse, they got banned, there is no report on that
I am sorry but nothing about this story has place in this blog, and I do defend regularly regarding your blog and what...
This has very little to do with aviation or travel…
Besides this issue is a non starter, Israel agreed to terms when they choose to have booths in the floor, they broke it, now they get punished. Simple. Russia had way worse, they got banned, there is no report on that
I am sorry but nothing about this story has place in this blog, and I do defend regularly regarding your blog and what you can post here against people who says otherwise. But this seems like a huge stretch
According to what VERIFIED SOURCE? Some useful idiots believe Stalin and Hamas Ministry of PROPAGANDA. France has now been overtake by Woke mobs and is a Muslim COUNTRY. What do you expect, honesty?
Many French people were equally as antisemitic, just prior to and during WWll, as the most ardent Nazis. Clearly not that much has changed over the decades. The action of preventing the Israeli armaments exhibition at the show is undoubtedly antisemitic.
Some of the comments in this blog display so much ignorance of the facts surrounding the situation as to be completely unbelievable.
The antisemitism is rife herein, it is borne out of a...
Many French people were equally as antisemitic, just prior to and during WWll, as the most ardent Nazis. Clearly not that much has changed over the decades. The action of preventing the Israeli armaments exhibition at the show is undoubtedly antisemitic.
Some of the comments in this blog display so much ignorance of the facts surrounding the situation as to be completely unbelievable.
The antisemitism is rife herein, it is borne out of a complete lack of knowledge of Jewish history, the history of the Middle East, not forgetting an outstanding misunderstanding of the cultural beliefs of the Muslim communities who wish to exterminate all Jews.
The Israelis are fighting for the right to live, to exist, to inhabit their ancestral homeland. A land in which for millennia, non-Jews have persecuted the children of Israel and driven them off. It is the non-Jewish people of this world who have repeatedly committed atrocities and genocide against the children of Israel. Those atrocities, those acts of genocide have been forgotten.
Those who are unable to accept the facts of the plight of the Jews, the unmitigated hatred of the ruling Iranian Muslims, their followers, the proxy terrorists and those who seek to bring about a second holocaust, are contemptible. You are equally culpable for the atrocities committed against the Jewish people as the Muslim perpetrators. How can you sleep at night?
Bla bla bla... so Israeli company decides to break the rules, gets punished and that's anti-semitism?
Rules do not apple for Israel?
And stop crying with this anti semitism, people are not allowed to say anything critical about Israel without being accused of being terrorists. Maybe that's part of the reason why they are starting to go on everyones nerves. Start acting like decent human beings and all will be ok
+100 kor, exactly. I don’t oppose Israel trying to defend itself or getting rid of Hamas. Nut how aero keeps calling everyone Nazis and anti semites just because people criticize the excessiveness of Israel that is leading to ridiculous civilian suffering and prolonging conflict for some to stay in power. This is the type of things getting people irritated with his entire arguments and why more and more youth are getting disillusioned with Israel. I...
+100 kor, exactly. I don’t oppose Israel trying to defend itself or getting rid of Hamas. Nut how aero keeps calling everyone Nazis and anti semites just because people criticize the excessiveness of Israel that is leading to ridiculous civilian suffering and prolonging conflict for some to stay in power. This is the type of things getting people irritated with his entire arguments and why more and more youth are getting disillusioned with Israel. I support Israel’s right to defend itself and get rid of Hamas but there is limit to everything
Kor-blimey, thank you for living up to expectations. The truth be out and the antisemites do not like having a mirror placed in front of them.
Aero, keep on calling people anti semites and terrorist for having a differing opinion because you are full of yourself. I will repeat it again, you are full of bs and never provided any knowledgeable answer even though you keep claiming others are ignorant about Middle East. Just shows how much you know yourself about this other then to spew your bs opinions and going lalala when someone says otherwise
Eve you ask …. “How do you justify the killing of 55000+ Palestinians, most of whom are civilians and 15000+ are children? And let’s not forget the millions who are dying from hunger because Israel has decided to limit aid to just a few dozen trucks everyday (half the time they don’t even enter) when Gaza needs at least 500+ trucks of aid everyday and that’s AT LEAST”
To you I repeat ….
Justify...
Eve you ask …. “How do you justify the killing of 55000+ Palestinians, most of whom are civilians and 15000+ are children? And let’s not forget the millions who are dying from hunger because Israel has decided to limit aid to just a few dozen trucks everyday (half the time they don’t even enter) when Gaza needs at least 500+ trucks of aid everyday and that’s AT LEAST”
To you I repeat ….
Justify your figures please?
Justify why Palestinian Hamas terrorists attacked and barbarously killed Israeli babies, women and children?
Justify why Palestinian Hamas terrorists indiscriminately fired hundreds of rockets, drones, etc, at Israeli areas of civilian population?
Justify why Palestinian Hamas terrorists used innocent Palestinian women and children as human shields?
Justify why Palestinian Hamas terrorists prevented food aid, etc, from reaching those Palestinians who needed it?
Justify why Palestinian Hamas terrorists do not end the conflict with Israel today by releasing all of the remaining hostages?
One could go on and on requesting your reasons for supporting the Palestinian Hamas terrorists, however, it is as clear as day that you have absolutely no idea of what you post about.
Blind ignorance is bliss ….
You have not at all answered the question and instead went on random tangents. BS aero is great at dodging questions as always and calling people terrorist supporters and Nazis. stop acting like you know anything, you don’t, you are the most ignorant person I can see about Middle East here (which is an irony because you claim that everyone else is ignorant about Middle East but you know better). Don’t pretend like you know...
You have not at all answered the question and instead went on random tangents. BS aero is great at dodging questions as always and calling people terrorist supporters and Nazis. stop acting like you know anything, you don’t, you are the most ignorant person I can see about Middle East here (which is an irony because you claim that everyone else is ignorant about Middle East but you know better). Don’t pretend like you know anything, at least I have lived there in my childhood and worked in the region when I was in consultancy. Do better
Why are there such oppressive rules on free speech in a country that claims to be about Liberté?
Oh Aero, you keep on saying everyone who does not agree to you are ignorant about Middle East history. But you always fail to show what you yourself know about it. For me, well I lived 3 years in Abu Dhabi during teenage years when my father was posted there and does that mean I love UAE? No, I despise it, but I know enough about the region and its history to make factual conclusions
...Oh Aero, you keep on saying everyone who does not agree to you are ignorant about Middle East history. But you always fail to show what you yourself know about it. For me, well I lived 3 years in Abu Dhabi during teenage years when my father was posted there and does that mean I love UAE? No, I despise it, but I know enough about the region and its history to make factual conclusions
But you, you lack any weight to your words other then say “oh no, I am super intelligent because I know Middle East exist but others don’t know, but I can’t say what I know about it or answer when I get asked difficult questions but hey I know Middle East exist so that makes me better and every else is ignorant anti semite Nazis”
@AeroB13a
Europeans are not Semites. They are Caucasians. Majority of people in Israel are settlers from Europe. How many times should you be reminded that Israel is an illegal European country in the Middle East? Learn something you old bean.
Israelis will call those who criticism them anti-Semites but they will never call them liars because they know they are telling the truth against that terrorist illegal European state in the Middle East.
Your...
@AeroB13a
Europeans are not Semites. They are Caucasians. Majority of people in Israel are settlers from Europe. How many times should you be reminded that Israel is an illegal European country in the Middle East? Learn something you old bean.
Israelis will call those who criticism them anti-Semites but they will never call them liars because they know they are telling the truth against that terrorist illegal European state in the Middle East.
Your are the imposter AeroB13a, the fake one. But its doesn't matter since both of you support genocide.
Vikram, I won’t say Israel is an illegal European country in Middle East because it technically has a claim to statehood. But the modern Israel was indeed helped to exist by colonial powers, supported by European Jews who wanted a homeland in their place of origin and could identify themselves and their culture. But that scope has largely deviated with time, what started as a movement to have their own homeland has largely turned into...
Vikram, I won’t say Israel is an illegal European country in Middle East because it technically has a claim to statehood. But the modern Israel was indeed helped to exist by colonial powers, supported by European Jews who wanted a homeland in their place of origin and could identify themselves and their culture. But that scope has largely deviated with time, what started as a movement to have their own homeland has largely turned into exiling and expelling the original people of the land and yes many European Jews post world war emigrated to Israel due to persecution, which is an irony because they eventually formed the bulk of Israeli Jews and the original native middle eastern Jews were turned into lower sectors of society. Off course the Arab states did try to destroy Israel from existing but the modern Israel has largely been accepted by all the major neighboring Arab powers, so the prevention of the formation of the Palestine state is the cause of all the problems because it largely is being lead by ardent religious fanatics who are hell bent on destroying Palestine, who has more claim to statehood then Israel does.
These are things Aero won’t say because he knows Middle East but he cannot say why. This is why I find him pathetic, he pretends he knows things but when the mic is handed to him, he calls everyone terrorist or Nazis. It is funny because I like Israel, I have been to Tel Aviv a few times but oh well I am a Hamas funded terrorist Nazi according to aero
@Eve
I appreciate your explanation and understanding of the problems in the Middle East. I find AeroB13a to be disgusting and ignorant.
Israel and Jews do not need to defend themselves as to who they are. Israel today is majority Jews that originated in Arab Countries. Those that came from Europe over the last 1000 years have biologic markers that show them to be of common origin with those of Arab Countries.
Interesting note, those that were forced out of their homes in Arab Countries eventually became established while those that left Israel are being supported (4...
Israel and Jews do not need to defend themselves as to who they are. Israel today is majority Jews that originated in Arab Countries. Those that came from Europe over the last 1000 years have biologic markers that show them to be of common origin with those of Arab Countries.
Interesting note, those that were forced out of their homes in Arab Countries eventually became established while those that left Israel are being supported (4 generations later) by the UN and our tax dollars.
Just one thought. My perception of what is going on. I see paralels to what was going on from 1939 to 1945. But now they are not the victims.
How so Liko, please explain?
The only reason the French did this was to preemptively shut up all of the snackbars inside their own borders. They have got enough trouble with those beasts already. And after blowing the smithereens out of Ham-Ass and HezboLOL, now the Israelis are giving a lesson to the Pieces of Shi'ite. Good work. If you gotta do, trust a Jew.
Fed up with the Israelis blaming everyone but themselves for the situation they find themselves in.Decided to tell everyone IRAN has nuclear weapons and have to wage war against them.What about all the other counties in the world that have nuclear capability.Will they start war against them with weapons that have been provided by their so called allies.It is ok for them to blow up schools,kill innocent families and children.Netanya is just a bad as...
Fed up with the Israelis blaming everyone but themselves for the situation they find themselves in.Decided to tell everyone IRAN has nuclear weapons and have to wage war against them.What about all the other counties in the world that have nuclear capability.Will they start war against them with weapons that have been provided by their so called allies.It is ok for them to blow up schools,kill innocent families and children.Netanya is just a bad as Hitler and should be tried for war crimes along with Putin and Trump for encouraging them.
Which other countries have count down clocks in major public squares for when they’re going to nuke adversaries?
Iran said that they have nuclear weapons themselves, you moron.
When?
They have not claimed they have nuclear weapons. They have a nuclear program that is developing nuclear weapons. There is difference. This current attack will only delay it, not stop it. Blowing up a few sites and scientist won’t stop Iran from using its other sites and build more, and also get help from its ally Russia
Again Eve, you display your lack of understanding admirably, thank you.
With the demise of the Iranian nuclear program and that of the mad mullahs, the Persian people will reign supreme.
On June 12 the International Atomic Energy Agency formally found that Iran was not complying with its nuclear obligations (for the first time in 20 years).
The real demonstration of Israeli weaponry is currently on display in and above Iran.
As is Iranian weaponry that you can see pummelling Israel day in day out. The Iranians have yet to bring their big guns. It will not be a pretty sight when that happens. This Zionist/Netanyahu overreach will severely harm Israel --- and ritually bleating 'anti-semitism' will not cut it.
In terms of "big guns", the Israelis are John Holmes. The Iranians are...well, you.
France only exists because other countries went to war to save it. And yet they are still afraid….
You morron! Get your facts straight! No, I'm not French, just polite.
Nelson, hypocrisy is rife in the content of your post, yes?
so ironic for someone that can't even spell the insult they throw, Nelson
Ironic considering that’s the only reason isreal exists The pet project that keeps talking back. They should really learn not to bite the hand that feeds them.
Israel has the capability to kill nearly every Iranian if they choose to do so. But rather than use this capability, they are instead giving advance warning to the Iranian civilian population what areas will be attacked and when. All in an effort to limit civilian causalities.
Contrast this to the current Iranian regime, which if it had to capability to kill everyone in Israel, it would currently be in the steps to launch just...
Israel has the capability to kill nearly every Iranian if they choose to do so. But rather than use this capability, they are instead giving advance warning to the Iranian civilian population what areas will be attacked and when. All in an effort to limit civilian causalities.
Contrast this to the current Iranian regime, which if it had to capability to kill everyone in Israel, it would currently be in the steps to launch just such an attack. And when they perhaps gain this capability in the future, they will use it asap and without hesitation.
“We should all be thanking Putin everyday for not obliterating us all in a nuclear annihilation… he could if he wanted to, what a saint!”
“Israel has the capability to kill nearly every Iranian if they choose to do so”
Via their nuclear bombs no doubt.
“they are instead giving advance warning to the Iranian civilian population what areas will be attacked and when”
If only that were true.
You better check out the reporting about this on CBS and PBS (plus many others I would guess, but I didn't check any further). A one hour warning was given before the TV broadcast building was hit.
If all the messages from the IDF (to the Iranian civilian population, showing them a few hours before attacking what areas will be attacked, so they could leave safely) are all AI (like the Israeli CAPTURED f35) or just a Zionist lie, why do we get pictures of millions leaving Teheran right after they get those messages?
Is there a local Fox News affiliate in Israel feeding people this garbage???
1) Were any other weapons manufacturers - including but not limited to French or American - scheduled to have displays? if so then 2) Were they similarly covered up, or were they allowed to display their products? If France is treating everyone equally then this is a non-story. If France barred displays from Israeli companies that it permitted from non-Israeli companies then there is a story.
Israel’s ambassador had agreed that Israeli offensive weapons used in Gaza could not be displayed. 4 of the 9 actually complied when they showed up, 5 ignored the agreement.
The World owes Israel a big thank you for stopping the Iranian's from developing nuclear bombs.
Agreed. But the US needs to provide Israel with an unlimited supply of "bunker busting" bombs to destroy all Iranian nuke abitions once and for all.
Additionally, US also needs to provide Israel $500B dollars every year, in perpetuity.
Agree.
Absolutely. Not enough billions of American taxpayer money is being wasted on Israel.
They could use some more to kill more innocent people faster!n
I think I've seen a very similar story 20+ years ago in Iraq. The world would be better off if the US and Israel stopped interfering everywhere. Almost all of the regimes that were taken down by either of them have resulted in way worse people in power afterwards.
Salmon, please tell the readers which “Regime” Isreal has “taken down”?
Nobody is stopping Iranian nuclear program. In fact the current attacks have only delayed their program by a few months or a year at most. Worse is the fact that this has very likely emboldened Iran to accelerate nuclear bomb development and get more assistance from Russia who had actively aided with Iran in this conflict and even offered long term assistance and cooperation
The complaint about ‘walls’ coming from Israel is rich, considering the segregation done to Gaza. It’s getting old that every time this country feels slighted (unjustifiably), it’s immediately the same argument of the entire world being anti-Semitic and always out to punish Israel. Just look how they’ve leveled Gaza and the number of innocent children they’ve slaughtered. But yes, keep complaining about not being allowed to show off your WMDs.
If you had any basic knowledge of recent history you would know that Gaza was evacuated of Jews to create peace. The same Gaza that brutally raped, killed and put infants in ovens. To restate, the segregation was removing Jews that had built up the area and created certain agricultural industries which were promptly destroyed.
Do they really think that they can do whatever they want and if someone criticizes them, it is racism or dark history of genocide??? I am really getting sick of their awfully selfish and completely wrong justifications of their hideous acts these days. I hope not all Jews support the current Israeli government...
The population of Gaza has been increasing since the founding of the Jewish State, so if Israel is committing genocide they are very bad at it.
Actually it’s been dropping since 2023. Considerably. But thanks for playing anyway.
Gee, what happened in 2023 to begin their population downfall? Could it have something to do with their voting Hamas as their government? Reap what you sow.
Well done. Israel needs to get over the holoc@ust and stop playing victim and use that as excuse to bully other countries.
Country aside, you don’t “ get over” the Holocaust. Just as you don’t get over your family being kidnapped, tortured and murdered. You also don’t “ get over “ any other genocide or slavery .. or the current fascist US government.
So Icarus resort to revenge against being kidnapped, which was their revenge for invading their land, which was revenge for ...... and end never ends.
Rather than taking the high road.
Genocide it is. Till either us or them is eradicated.
And calling US government fascist? Take a look at Benny.
Ng, try reading a few history books as your Jewish history knowledge is nonexistent.
Everytime Israel pipes up and says anything in justifications of any "wrong" against them, it always sounds like that bitter uncle that thinks everyone around them owes them.
Arguments are pretty weak when all you have to defend yourself is "you're criticising me because you're a racist", no, you're being criticised because you're an assh*le, don't take the rest of your race down to your level.
FLCL, if you think that Israeli “Arguments are pretty weak”, you should read your post and come away with one fact …. it is you who is the “Assh*le”.
The scenes playing out over Iran are the best advertising for any military/defense/offensive weapons company and the people that use them.
There are more than a few countries that are taking notice and wishing that the west had been as resolute in arming Ukraine in the early days of that war.
There is no reason for any prolonged war today.
Ah, so now Ben’s covering the Israeli arms industry? reporting on a real scandal a "drama"? an affront to decency? Apparently, France denying a booth to a weapons manufacturer warrants urgent attention. Poor Israel, denied the spotlight. Not the pulverised children in Gaza—no, that’s passé. But an air show snub? the Outrage!
We are truly living in a dystopian inversion, where genocide is rebranded as security policy, and moral clarity is smeared as antisemitism. Criticise...
Ah, so now Ben’s covering the Israeli arms industry? reporting on a real scandal a "drama"? an affront to decency? Apparently, France denying a booth to a weapons manufacturer warrants urgent attention. Poor Israel, denied the spotlight. Not the pulverised children in Gaza—no, that’s passé. But an air show snub? the Outrage!
We are truly living in a dystopian inversion, where genocide is rebranded as security policy, and moral clarity is smeared as antisemitism. Criticise the wholesale annihilation of civilians, and you’re cast as an enemy of the civilized world.
The depravity isn’t just in the actions, it’s in the reactions. Where industrialised slaughter barely musters a shrug… Frankly, if outrage is all that’s left when Israel's weapons don’t get showroom lighting, perhaps it’s not the French who should be accused of hiding behind politics—but those who launder war crimes in press releases, blogs and dramatic headlines.
Yes, but on the flip side this blog expressed solidarity to BLM so it's fully signed up to inclusion and all that!!1
I think that the rationale for publishing this post was mostly related to Israel's extreme reactions to the French decision as opposed to the actual news itself, however portraying that reaction in such neutral terms does come across as too sympathetic to the Israeli position.
Here we go... Queue up antisemitism accusations and counter accusations.
Hey Ben, I know it's your blog and you can darn well do what pleases you. I do have to ask you one question - since when did "weapons display" become part of travel and points?
VS, don't read then! Rude. Darn right this is Ben's blog and he can publish what pleases him; when you have your own blog you can do the same. I for one appreciate this kind of articles; I didn't even know the Paris Air Show had a military component.
Beyond ridiculous, especially the minister's attempt at the explanation lacking any internal logic at all.
Any decent company should leave the show right away but I have no high hopes for morals in today's society. Profits come first, until we screw up the world so much we won't be able to make them.
You’re only realizing now profits come first?
Shall the Rwandans demonstrate machetes? The Germans gas canisters?
What’s new… some Israelis in a constant battle do outdo each other as the most repugnant people in the plant.
Jews do what Jews do.
Well no I don’t endorse that message. But Israel as a nation has been emboldened into thinking they are completely outside any basic norms about decency and humanity.
Even the messaging referenced in the article… invoking 1930s anti-semitism about an arms company display…. Decrying “walls” (considering the barriers they put up for Palestinians in their own land… long before this round of ethnic cleansing,
But Israel is above international law and basic human decency. And they know it and flaunt it.
When Trump has had enough, he will cut off the dollar tap and let's see how they do then on their own.
You blew the dogwhistle, AceQuik. Don't act surprised when the dogs show up.
There really is no need for talk like that.
That's a DISGUSTING comment Ocean Man!
Don’t equate all Jews with Israel. It’s like saying all Muslims are terrorists or all Americans support Trump.
When you are surrounded by bloodthirsty enemies and your Country in about 10 miles wide; you do what it takes. We are very complacent in the USA.
Absolutely man, they are the world’s greatest survivors, how cleaver of you to have noticed …. :-)
Yet Jews can spell!