Israeli companies crack down on coverage at London arms fair

Attendees at this week's DSEI arms fair in London say they were stopped from taking photographs of Israeli companies' displays, with one journalist forced to delete his photos.

One of the largest arms fairs in Europe, the biennial event is a frequent target of protest, but has come under unprecedented scrutiny this year amid growing condemnation of Israel's continuing assault on Gaza where more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed and Israel stands accused of waging genocide and starving the population.

The UK government barred the Israeli government from having an official delegation at the expo, yet 51 Israeli arm markers are exhibiting at the event which has drawn hundreds of protesters and closes on Friday.

Exhibitors include Israel's three biggest arms firms: Elbit Systems, Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Two attendees told Middle East Eye separately that they were warned by security guards and Elbit Systems employees not to take photographs of the company’s stand as well as the adjoining IAI display.

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