The British government has announced that no official Israeli delegation will be invited to the country’s flagship defence exhibition in London next month, citing Israel’s escalating military campaign in Gaza.
A government spokesperson said the decision followed Israel’s recent plans to intensify operations and seize Gaza City. “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025,” the spokesperson said.
Israel’s defence ministry condemned the move as a “deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination,” and confirmed it would not establish a national pavilion at the event. However, individual Israeli defence companies will still be permitted to exhibit independently at the trade show, which runs from 9 to 12 September at London’s Docklands.
DSEI, held biennially, is one of the world’s largest defence and security exhibitions, attracting hundreds of companies and government delegations from around the globe. The event is supported by the UK government, which typically invites foreign officials to attend.
Israel argued the decision introduced politics into a professional industry forum. “This decision introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition,” its defence ministry said, while pledging “full support” to Israeli firms that take part.
The diplomatic rift comes as Britain has sharpened its criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Officials in London have repeatedly urged an immediate ceasefire, the release of remaining hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this week denounced Israeli airstrikes on a hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, as “completely indefensible.”
Since October 2023, when Hamas fighters killed about 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251 hostages, Israel has carried out a sustained military campaign in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 62,966 Palestinians killed, including more than 18,500 children. The United Nations has accused Israel of severely restricting aid, with UN-backed experts confirming famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas. Israel has rejected those claims, maintaining its operations target Hamas.
The UK has already taken several steps in response to the conflict. In March, it suspended trade talks with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers, and summoned the Israeli ambassador. Last year, the Labour government suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, though it did not restrict components for the F-35 fighter jet, citing the international nature of its supply chain.
As Britain prepares to host defence leaders and industry figures from across the world, its decision to exclude an Israeli government presence marks one of the most visible diplomatic breaks yet with a key Middle Eastern ally.
