TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israeli defense companies will not be allowed to participate in the largest arms exhibition in the Netherlands, NEDS, on November 20, 2025, in Rotterdam. As reported by Anadolu, this ban was issued due to concerns about security and social unrest related to the genocide in Gaza, as confirmed by the organizers on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
As reported by Globes, this is an annual exhibition where Israel's largest defense companies have regularly participated in recent years, including Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
This year will mark the 36th time the exhibition has been held.
Hans Huigen, director of the event organizer Netherlands Industry for Defense and Security Foundation, told the public broadcaster NOS that four Israeli companies had applied for exhibition stands, but all were rejected.
"The current situation in Gaza has deteriorated to such an extent that social unrest is growing worldwide, in Europe, and in the Netherlands," said Huigen.
"We have told them that we are concerned about the safe organization of the fair if they participate."
He emphasized that the decision was not based on rejection of Israel, but on security issues.
"It’s not up to us to have an opinion on that, but we do listen and pay attention to what’s going on in society and politics on this issue," Huigen added.
This step was taken amid the Dutch government's call in the European Union to suspend some of its association agreement with Israel.
Huigen noted that allowing Israeli companies to exhibit while the government advocates sanctions would create a contradiction.
Israeli officials have confirmed that they will not participate this year in the exhibition, which mainly focuses on the maritime sector.
In recent months, the Dutch government has changed its policy towards Israel and led efforts to impose economic and business sanctions on Israel as part of the European Union.
Israeli companies have regularly participated in exhibitions at Ahoy Rotterdam in recent years, but their presence has repeatedly sparked protests.
Last year, demonstrations escalated into clashes with the police, broken windows, and arrests.
Huigen recalled that organizers had to "drastically increase security" in 2024, and said the risk of even greater unrest is even higher this year.
The Netherlands Industry for Defense and Security Foundation emphasized that the decision was made independently, not at the Dutch government's request, although the authorities had been informed.
Israel has killed more than 62,100 Palestinian residents in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing a famine and triggering global anger, including in the Netherlands.
Netherlands Pushes for Sanctions on Israel
Last May, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced his support for a legal review of the Association Agreement with Israel, which forms the basis of its relations with the European Union.
The review found "indications" that Israel has violated international law and thus not committed to the agreement.
Since then, the Netherlands has sought to push for sanctions against Israel, including suspending Israeli companies' participation in the Horizon EU innovation program and reducing trade relations.
It is unclear whether the Dutch government is behind this year's decision, which has been communicated to the relevant companies in recent days through official letters.
According to Israeli sources, the organizers cited security concerns and logistical challenges as the reasons for the cancellation.
Netherlands Halts Arms Export to Israel
The Netherlands itself halted arms exports to Israel a few months after the start of the genocide in Gaza, following Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. This followed a court decision on the matter.
The Netherlands continues to supply spare parts and components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel indirectly, through third countries.
This is another step that restricts the marketing efforts and presence of the Israeli defense industry in Europe. Last June, Israeli companies were banned from exhibiting in pavilions at the Eurosatory arms exhibition near Paris, France.
Last year, IAI participated in an exhibition in the Netherlands, showcasing, among others, the Barak missile defense system and drones it produces.
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