Israeli airport closure could keep defense companies from attending IDEX
The Hero-30 UAV is a man-packable system capable of reaching 100 knots in speed. (Courtesy of UVision) JERUSALEM With relationships between Israel and other Middle Eastern countries on the mend, more than 40 Israeli companies planned to showcase their military systems at this year’s International Defence Exhibition and Conference in the United Arab Emirates for the first time. But the participation by Israeli companies and officials was thrown into question after Israel extended a closure of its Ben-Gurion International Airport, essentially banning flights to the UAE and elsewhere. On Feb. 5, the closure was extended to Feb. 21, and an exemptions committee initially refused to approve the travel. Companies hoped that approvals would come through at the last minute, with IDEX set to take place Feb. 21-25.