Upset at how Israel is waging this war, French Prime Minister Macron and his government had banned Israel from participating in the Euronaval Trade Fair held in France.

However, the Commercial Court in Paris ruled this week in favor of the petition filed by the Federation of Israeli Industries, Israel Shipyards and the France-Israel Chamber of Commerce. The court determined that the Israeli companies are allowed to participate in the Euronaval trade fair, the maritime security fair in Paris in early November. The judge thus overturned the decision of the French government and the trade fair organizers to prohibit the participation of Israeli companies in the event. That prohibition according to the court, does not comply with the rules of the free market in the European Union and violates the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

The president of the industry association, Dr. Ron Tomer, welcomed the decision:

“The court has made it clear today that business discrimination on a political basis is unacceptable in the international market. Israeli industry remains open for business and will continue to drive innovation and advanced technologies. No government or organization will stop us, and should such attempts be made in the future, we will make it clear to all that MADE IN ISRAEL will continue to be proudly represented at trade shows and international conferences. This is a victory for the State of Israel and Israeli businesses and demonstrates that all are subject to the principles of equality and fair trade to which we are committed.”

Eitan Zucker, managing director of Israel Shipyards, said that it is a positive decision that will allow the most advanced ships of their kind manufactured in Israel Shipyards to be showcased. But the whole saga should alarm decision-makers in Israel, he said:

“Despite the court decision, it should not be forgotten that the French government has in effect imposed a security embargo on Israel by trying to prevent Israeli companies from participating in the fair. This forces decision-makers to realize that, as we have seen in other cases during the war, Israel must not rely on other countries and must rely on its own high capabilities and those of the Israeli military industry, especially when it comes to equipping central platforms.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed the French court’s decision:

Foreign Minister @Israel_katz :

“Congratulations to the Israelis who petitioned the French court on their significant victory against the undemocratic and unjust decision by French President @EmmanuelMacron to prevent Israeli companies from participating in the Euronaval… https://t.co/qPeon6amId

— Ministry of Justice of Israel ישראל 🇮🇱🕎 (@ISRMoJ) October 30, 2024

It should be noted that Israel Shipyards will be able to set up its stand at the fair despite the short time remaining until the start of the fair.

The petition, filed through French law firm GKA, argued that the decision violates the principles of equality and fair trade that bind European Union member states. Following its approval, Israeli companies will now be able to participate and exhibit at the fair, which as aforementioned will take place at the beginning of November.