Great Britain has denied Israeli representatives access to the largest defense equipment exhibition in the country due to the escalation of the war against "Hamas" in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
The agency notes that the decision is part of efforts to put pressure on Israel - a historically close ally of London.
Last month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government said it would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel did not take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and if it did not meet certain conditions, which angered the Israeli authorities.
The Israeli Defense Ministry said that as a result of trade restrictions between the two countries, Israel would not open a national pavilion at the International Defense Equipment Exhibition and Conference in London (Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI).
Israeli defense companies, such as "Elbit Systems" (Elbit Systems), "Rafael" (Rafael), "Israel Aerospace Industries" (Israel Aerospace Industries) and "Uvision" are eligible to participate.
The UK decision follows a row that erupted three months ago at the Paris Air Show when France blocked the stands of Israeli defence companies with black barriers after they refused to remove their attack weapons.
A British government spokesman said today that the Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza was a mistake.
"As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to the event," he said. "A diplomatic solution must be found that stops the war now - with an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages and increased humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza," the spokesman added.
Israel said London's decision was "worthy of "regrettably an act of discrimination" and "represents political beliefs that are completely unacceptable for a professional exhibition of defense equipment."
The four-day exhibition, which will start on September 9, will feature national delegations and private companies that will present military equipment and weapons at London's Excel center. The event is held every two years.
The exhibition is organized by the private company Clarion Defence and Security, but is supported by the British government and the army, Reuters notes.