Israeli firms barred from Dutch arms fair

Israeli companies will be excluded from a major arms fair organized by the Netherlands Industries for Defense and Security (NIDV) in November in Rotterdam, organizers confirmed Thursday, reported Xinhua.

NIDV Director Hans Huigen told Dutch public broadcaster NOS that four Israeli companies had applied to participate in the NIDV Exhibition Defense and Security (NEDS), the Netherlands' annual defense industry fair, but their applications were rejected.

Huigen said, "We have told them that we are concerned about the safe organization of the fair if they participate."

Israeli companies have taken part in previous editions of the fair, but their presence has often drawn protests. Demonstrations at last year's event escalated into clashes with police.