Rotterdam: Israeli defense companies will not be allowed to participate in this year's NEDS arms fair in Rotterdam due to concerns over security and social unrest linked to the war in Gaza, organizers confirmed Thursday. Hans Huigen, the director of the event's organizer Netherlands Industry for Defense and Security Foundation, stated that four Israeli firms had applied for booth space but were all rejected.
According to Anadolu Agency, Huigen explained that the current situation in Gaza has led to growing social unrest worldwide, including in Europe and the Netherlands. This unrest has prompted the organizers to exclude Israeli firms from this year's arms fair to ensure a safe event. Huigen emphasized that this decision was based on safety concerns rather than opposition to Israel itself. He noted that while the organizers do not take a stance on political matters, they remain attentive to societal and political developments.
The ban on Israeli firms comes in the context of the Dutch government's efforts within the EU to suspend parts of its association agreement with Israel. Huigen mentioned that allowing Israeli firms to participate while the government advocates for sanctions would present contradictions. In recent years, Israeli companies have been regular participants at the Ahoy Rotterdam fair, but their presence has often attracted protests. Last year, these demonstrations escalated into clashes with police, resulting in broken windows and arrests.
Huigen recalled that organizers had to significantly increase security measures in 2024 due to the protests, and he warned that the risk of unrest is even higher this year. The Netherlands Industry for Defense and Security Foundation stressed that the decision to ban Israeli firms was made independently and not at the request of the Dutch government, though authorities were informed.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 62,100 Palestinians since October 2023. The military campaign has severely affected the enclave, which is now facing famine.