Fact Check: Israeli firms' booths were hidden behind black panels at the Paris Air Show.

Fact Check: "Israeli firms' booths were hidden behind black panels at the Paris Air Show"

What We Know

The claim that Israeli firms' booths were hidden behind black panels at the Paris Air Show is substantiated by multiple reports. French authorities ordered the installation of black partition walls around certain Israeli defense industry exhibits, particularly those displaying offensive weapons, due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened tensions in the Middle East (AP News, Washington Post). This decision was made to allow Israeli companies to showcase their aviation technology while restricting the display of offensive weaponry. French Prime Minister François Bayrou stated that the Israeli Embassy and companies were informed of these restrictions in advance, and that some complied while others did not, leading to the covering of their displays (AP News, Reuters).

The black walls were erected overnight before the show opened on June 16, 2025, visually isolating Israeli booths from other international exhibitors (AP News, CBS News). The Israeli Defense Ministry condemned the action, labeling it "ugly and improper," and argued that the restrictions were politically motivated to exclude Israeli weapons from an international exhibition (AP News, Politico).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable news sources confirming that black partition walls were indeed erected around Israeli booths at the Paris Air Show. The reports detail the context of the decision, linking it to France's diplomatic stance regarding the conflict in Gaza and the broader geopolitical situation (AP News, Washington Post).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and include major news outlets such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and CBS News, which are known for their journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that the framing of the event may vary slightly between sources. For instance, while some emphasize the political motivations behind the French government's actions, others focus on the implications for international defense exhibitions and the reactions from Israeli officials (Reuters, Defense News).

Additionally, the Israeli Defense Ministry's response reflects a significant concern over perceived discrimination and the impact of these actions on international business and diplomatic relations. This response adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as it highlights the tensions between national defense interests and international perceptions of military actions (Politico, Times of Israel).

Conclusion

The claim that Israeli firms' booths were hidden behind black panels at the Paris Air Show is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that French authorities ordered the installation of these black partition walls to restrict the display of offensive weapons by Israeli companies, reflecting the current geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza.

Fact Check: Israeli firms' booths were hidden behind black panels at the Paris Air Show.