Israeli protesters confront arms expo: 'You test your weapons in Gaza'

2026-02-17 - 22:02

A small but defiant group of Israeli protesters gathered outside the Defense Tech Expo 2026 in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, accusing defense companies of using Gaza as a "testing ground" for weapons marketed to international buyers as "field-proven." Holding placards reading "You are using Gaza as a testing lab," around 20 demonstrators called for an arms embargo and condemned what they described as war profiteering linked to Israel's military campaign in the Palestinian enclave. Expo Showcases 'Field-Proven' Technologies The two-day international defense fair, held for the first time at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Center, features more than 70 Israeli firms specializing in defense and homeland security technologies. According to the exhibition's official website, participating companies are showcasing advanced systems and solutions described as having been "proven in the field"—a phrase protesters argue sanitizes the reality of Gaza's destruction. The event is organized under the auspices of Israel's Foreign Ministry, the Economy Ministry's Foreign Trade Administration, the Israeli Export Institute, and the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. Protesters Denounce Industry Profits Amid War The organizing group, which withheld its name citing security concerns, issued a statement denouncing "the profits of the arms industry from occupation, apartheid and genocide in Gaza," targeting both exhibiting companies and attending foreign buyers. Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that dozens of foreign delegations, senior officials, and technology investors are expected to attend the expo, highlighting the international appetite for Israeli defense technology despite ongoing scrutiny over its use in Gaza. Growing Scrutiny Over Weapons Used in Gaza The protest follows increased international examination of Israeli military tactics and weaponry in Gaza. In February, an investigative report by Al Jazeera cited testimonies from medics and civil defense officials alleging Israeli forces used highly destructive thermal and vacuum weapons during the war. Since the US-backed ceasefire took effect on October 10, Gaza's Health Ministry reports that Israeli forces have committed hundreds of violations through shelling and gunfire, killing 603 Palestinians and injuring 1,618 others—adding urgency to protesters' demands for accountability and an end to what they term the "weapons testing" cycle.