Petition calls on Singapore to bar Israeli arms companies from 2026 Airshow over Gaza conflict

SINGAPORE: An online petition is calling on Singapore’s government to ban Israeli state-owned arms manufacturers and other suppliers of military technology to Israel from taking part in the upcoming Singapore Airshow in February 2026. The petition was created on 24 May 2025 by activist Shilpa Vijay Srinivasan.

 

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Petition cites allegations of war crimes and genocide

It urges the show’s organiser, Experia Events, and newly appointed Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, to exclude firms linked to Israel’s military operations from the event. The petition states that Singapore must not serve as a “launchpad for oppression,” referencing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It specifically points to the involvement of firms supplying weapons used in Israeli military actions against Palestinians. As of 12pm on 9 June, more than 2,600 people had signed the petition. In an update posted the same day, Shilpa noted that the Singapore Airshow is supported by several government ministries, including the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. She criticised any attempts to characterise the exhibitor lineup as purely a commercial decision and urged Singaporeans to write directly to Defence Minister Chan, Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong to demand action. The petition alleges that the 2024 edition of the Singapore Airshow included at least 10 defence companies known to supply weapons to the Israeli military. Of these, five were identified as Israeli firms: Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, Tomer, SIBAT, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Four of these are state-owned. The remaining five—BAE Systems, Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman—are multinational firms that also reportedly supply the Israeli military. According to the petition, these companies are fully aware of the uses of their technology and continue to promote their products by touting their “efficacy in urban warfare,” allegedly tested on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

International condemnation and legal proceedings referenced

The petition's authors cite reports and statements by multiple United Nations experts, human rights groups, and international aid organisations that describe Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal. It also references ongoing legal proceedings: Israel is currently under investigation by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for genocide. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Human rights groups claim that tens or possibly hundreds of thousands of civilians in Gaza have been killed. Over 90% of homes have been destroyed, and no fully functioning hospitals remain. Reports have emerged of journalists and healthcare workers being killed or tortured, and of starvation being used as a weapon. The petition states, “This is not a war; it's the systematic erasure of a people.”

Earlier campaign in 2024 drew similar demands

This is not the first petition led by Shilpa. In February 2024, she launched a separate initiative that gained over 2,445 signatures. That campaign called on the government to divest the Singapore Airshow of ten Israeli companies “enabling and profiting from Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza.” The petition urged the government to ban displays of “war machines” manufactured by companies accused of human rights violations, until Israel complies with international humanitarian law. Shilpa asserted at the time, “The state of Israel has deliberately created one of the most abominable humanitarian crises of our time. It has committed and continues to commit appalling war crimes.” She added that the Singapore Airshow, as one of Asia’s largest defence exhibitions, holds significant influence in shaping perceptions and should not be used to platform firms profiting from alleged atrocities. “By continuing its association with such entities, the Singapore Airshow becomes complicit in their actions. We, the people of Singapore, urge you to take a stand against these injustices,” the petition read.

Officials explain rationale behind inclusion of Israeli firms in 2024 Airshow despite public concerns

In response to public scrutiny, 2024 Singapore Airshow organiser Experia stated that Israeli defence firms were not under any international sanctions, embargoes, or blacklists. Managing director Leck Chet Lam affirmed the company’s practices were aligned with international standards and norms observed globally. During Parliament sitting in March 2024, MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin questioned the basis for allowing these firms to participate. Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong clarified that exhibitor selection lies with Experia, provided firms are not under sanctions by the UN or Singapore. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on 29 February 2024 claimed that while Singapore may disagree with a country’s actions, maintaining diplomatic ties is essential for long-term regional engagement and humanitarian influence.

Lawrence Wong: Israel’s Gaza restrictions likely breach humanitarian law and are unjustifiable

Earlier on 30 May 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong condemned Israel’s continued obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, labelling the actions “completely unacceptable” and potentially in violation of international humanitarian law. Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Wong reiterated Singapore’s recognition of Israel’s right to self-defence but stressed that its military actions had exceeded acceptable limits. He said Singapore supports an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. He also called for the return of hostages taken during the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and more than 250 hostages. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the ongoing Israeli bombardment has resulted in the deaths of more than 54,800 people. Activists argue that this scale of destruction necessitates a firm response from the international community.