Acrimony Grows In Gulf States Over Gaza, Qatar Strike

Some Israeli weapons manufacturers have been refused entry to one of the world’s biggest aerospace expos in the United Arab Emirates after receiving letters from the organizers of the Dubai Air Show in November. This comes at a time when the anger of Gulf states grows as Israel continues its offensive action in Gaza, and more pointedly after a strike in Qatar that targeted Hamas political leadership.

A senior official who wished to remain anonymous said that the letter was sent to a handful of Israeli firms informing them they would not be permitted to participate in the 2025 event.

The precision attack in Doha outraged Gulf state leaders, especially the Qataris, who have been actively trying to mediate a truce in Gaza. Even President Donald Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel and generally in favor of eliminating Hamas, expressed his dismay, saying he was “very unhappy about every aspect” of the strike.

The denial letter pointed to dubious alleged shortfalls in the professional qualifications of the companies and was actually dated September 9, the day the Doha attack was conducted. However, air show organizers had previously indicated their intention to ban Israel from the event.

The government of Dubai has not yet issued any comment on the denial.

The Israeli Defense Ministry acknowledged the receipt of “the notification from the show’s organizers” but also had no comment and declined to provide any details.

In a similar fashion, the British government denied Israeli officials from attending its biggest defense trade show, DSEI UK 2025, that took place in London from September 9-12. At the  Paris Air Show in June, French officials erected screens to block off access to exhibits of Israeli weapons manufacturers.

FMI:  www.dubaiairshow.aero/