“Of course, we will have to apply to another court, and of course, we will sue the French government for damages,” he added. The company did not say when the suit would be filed, but said it is facing losses “in the mid-double-digit million range.”
On Monday, Rafael’s booth was enclosed with black panels, access was denied, and police were stationed outside. Images taken by the AFP agency on Monday showed yellow writing on one of the black walls around the stands. Accompanied by a drawing of an Israeli flag, it read: “Behind these walls are the best defense systems used by many countries. These systems are protecting the state of Israel these days.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the French authorities’ actions as “outrageous” and called for them to be “immediately corrected.”
Toaff said Rafael submitted its booth layout and listed its displayed systems months ago. The equipment passed through French customs weeks before the show.
French organizers later offered to reopen the booth if Rafael agreed to remove certain items. The company refused. “All our weapons will stay,” Toaff said. “We do not agree with this one-sided approach unless all companies are treated equally.”
Rafael makes air defense systems that are part of Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, as well as Python and Sky Sting air-to-air missiles, Sparrow air-launched ballistic missiles and electronic warfare systems.