The UK has banned Israeli officials from attending the country’s flagship defence event next month.

Israeli industry, including UK subsidiaries of Israeli companies, will be able to attend London’s Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) show in September but the UK government will not invite representatives of the Israeli government to the major industry event.

It comes as Keir Starmer prepares to recognise a Palestinian state after warning Israel the UK would do so if the country did not take steps to relieve suffering in Gaza or meet other conditions.

A UK government spokesperson said: “The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.

“There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

Israel’s defence ministry said that as a result of the trade fair ban it would not run its national pavilion, as it has done previously at the DSEI.

Israeli defence companies, such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision, will be able to attend.

Britain’s decision has echoes of a dispute at the Paris air show three months ago, when France blocked off with black partitions the stands of Israeli defence companies after they refused to remove attack weapons from display, prompting a furious response from Israel.

Israel said Britain’s decision was a “regrettable act of discrimination” and “introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition”.

The four-day show, due to open on 9 September, features national delegations and private companies, which showcase military kit and weapons at London’s ExCel centre. The event takes place every other year.

DSEI is organised by a private company, Clarion Defence & Security, with backing from the British government and the military.