Britain has barred Israel government and military representatives from attending DSEI 2025, one of the world’s largest arms exhibitions, scheduled to take place in London from September 9–12.
The decision, confirmed by a UK government spokesperson, comes amid growing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. “The Israeli government’s decision to escalate its military activity in Gaza is wrong,” the spokesperson said. “There will be no official Israel government delegation at the DSEI 2025 exhibition in Britain.”
While Israel arms manufacturers will still be permitted to exhibit at the event, the exclusion of official representatives has provoked strong condemnation from Israel. In a statement, the Israel Ministry of Defence described the move as a “deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination, as it plays into the hands of extremists and grants legitimacy to terrorism.”
The UK’s decision is part of a broader shift in policy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, which has taken a tougher stance on Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war. Britain has already imposed a near-total embargo on offensive weapons exports to Israel and has pledged to recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to key conditions, including a ceasefire and renewed commitment to a two-state solution.
Pressure has been mounting within Labour ranks for the UK to take stronger action in response to alleged war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, including accusations of using starvation as a weapon.
On Wednesday, the UK joined 14 of the 15 UN Security Council members in describing the famine in Gaza as man-made. The United States was the sole dissenting voice.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected claims of famine, insisting that “Israel does not have a policy of starvation.”
However, he currently faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, issued in November last year, accusing him of war crimes including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, a charge that could lead to his arrest in Britain and over 120 other countries.
The UK government reiterated its call for a diplomatic resolution, stating: “There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now – with an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.”
