Israeli defense companies have been barred from participating in the Netherlands’ largest military exhibition, the NEDS show in Rotterdam, Globes reported, citing Israeli sources. The annual event, scheduled for November 20 and focused largely on the naval sector, has in recent years hosted Israel’s biggest contractors, including Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael. But this year, organizers notified participants in a letter that Israeli firms would not be allowed to attend, citing “security and organizational” reasons. They did not respond to requests for further comment.

Israeli defense companies have been barred from participating in the Netherlands’ largest military exhibition, the NEDS show in Rotterdam, Globes reported, citing Israeli sources. The annual event, scheduled for November 20 and focused largely on the naval sector, has in recent years hosted Israel’s biggest contractors, including Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael. But this year, organizers notified participants in a letter that Israeli firms would not be allowed to attend, citing “security and organizational” reasons. They did not respond to requests for further comment. Israeli sources confirmed to Globes that the companies will not take part. The move is seen as tied to the ongoing Gaza war and reflects a broader shift in Dutch policy toward Israel. Times of Israel reports that in recent months, Netherlands has pressed within the European Union for tougher measures against Israel. In May, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp supported a legal review of the EU Association Agreement with Israel, the framework governing bilateral relations. The review found “indications” that Israel had breached the agreement’s human rights obligations. Since then, the Netherlands has sought to limit Israel’s role in EU programs, including suspending its participation in the Horizon research funding initiative, while also reducing trade links. The Netherlands had already halted direct arms exports to Israel in the months following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the Gaza war. Still, it continues to provide F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel indirectly via third countries, according to Globes. The decision follows other European restrictions on Israeli defense firms. In June, several Israeli companies were barred from displaying at the Paris Air Show, Times of Israel reports.  

A little more informed. A little more connected.