Yediot Ahronot reported on Thursday that the small companies had petitioned the courts to enable their attendance. More than 40 companies invested millions of dollars and ISDEF, which is part of Avnon Group, was to be part of Israel’s pavilion at IDEX. It would have been the first time Israel’s defense companies and homeland security industry innovators attended the prestigious exhibition.
Israel closed its airport in January to international travel. It has allowed some exemptions but the defense companies did not receive one, despite working hard to make sure that Israel would have a key place at IDEX. There was a lot of excitement about attending for the first time. Many companies had sought to bring various examples of unique technology that Israel has developed in this field. Others saw it as an opportunity to seek joint ventures or to build on existing relationships.Mati Weinberg, CEO of ISDEF, said he had been trying for weeks to get an answer from the government and various government ministries and authorities and Knesset members involved in the process. Globes reported earlier this week that the 40 companies did not receive an exemption. According to the report the Defense Ministry wanted them to attend but Minister of Regional Cooperation Ofir Akunis did not grant the exemption. Five flights had been planned for the four companies, the report noted.
Weinberg said that he approached Akunis and Minister of Transport Miri Regev, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office, but “No one is giving an answer.” He said he tried again to explain how much ISDEF had invested and how important it was for Israel. “We are not receiving any response. It is a poor way of giving HLS (Homeland Security), defense and the cybersecurity field an answer that is so important for Israel.”
According to the Yediot article the state was supposed to provide an answer by Friday and there may be an urgent hearing on the matter.