The government of Chile has taken a bold stance by announcing that Israeli companies will be barred from participating in Latin America’s largest aerospace fair, FIDAE, set to occur in Santiago from April 9 to 14, 2024. This move signifies a significant political statement from Chile, a country with the largest Palestinian community outside the Arab world, and follows a series of actions reflecting its critical view of Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip.
The Chilean Ministry of Defence declared that “By decision of the Government of Chile, the 2024 version of the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) will not have the participation of Israeli companies,” without delving into specific reasons behind the exclusion. This decision emphasizes the country’s position following its earlier actions such as recalling its ambassador to Israel and pressing for Israel to be investigated for alleged war crimes at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric has previously condemned what he termed “unacceptable violations of International Humanitarian Law” by Israel in Gaza. This sentiment was echoed in a statement released by Mexico’s Foreign Ministry, citing “growing worry over the latest escalation of violence, particularly against civilian targets,” indicative of a regional unease about the ongoing conflict.
Adding to the political ramifications of this decision, Chilean Senator Juan Ignacio Latorre supported the government’s resolution as “brave” and “a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people.” In contrast, the president of the interparliamentary friendship group between Chile and Israel labeled it as a mistake, indicating that it politicizes a fair meant to be non-political and overlooks the historical cooperation between the Chilean Air Force and the Israeli government in areas of training and innovation.
The response from the Palestinian Community of Chile was one of appreciation, stating that the government’s decision aligns with “the principles of justice and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.” These words underscore the balancing act Chile is performing on the international stage, trying to assert influence and promote accountability in line with international law.
In January, further diplomatic ripples were felt as Chile, along with Mexico, called for the ICC to commence an investigation into Israel’s actions during the war in Gaza. The Chilean Foreign Ministry has been vociferous in its criticism, condemning the “collective punishment” of Gaza’s civilian population and urging that Israel “has an obligation to put an end to these violations, and offer comprehensive reparations as well as appropriate guarantees about non-repetition.”
Israeli Ambassador to Chile Gil Artzyeli expressed that he had not been informed by the Chilean government of this exclusion. Reflecting on the government’s doctrine, he remarked, “We cannot say we are surprised taking into account the [Chilean] government’s doctrine towards Israel.”
Relevant articles:
– Chile excludes Israeli companies from participating in Latin America’s largest aerospace fair
– Chilean government bars Israeli participation in air show, The New Arab, Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:40:19 GMT
– Chile excludes Israeli companies from top aerospace fair due to offensive in Gaza, Middle East Monitor, Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:32:00 GMT
– Chile Bans Israel From Latin America’s Largest Aerospace Fair, VINNews, Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:00:55 GMT