The recent tensions between Canada and Israel have reached a new level following an incident involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and a Canadian diplomatic delegation in the West Bank. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed relief that the team was unharmed after IDF soldiers fired warning shots near the group, which included four Canadians.
In response to the incident, Canada summoned Israel’s ambassador to discuss the government’s serious concerns. Anand stated that a full investigation and accountability are expected from Israel. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the situation as “totally unacceptable,” although Ambassador Iddo Moed questioned what exactly Carney found unacceptable. Moed pointed out that the diplomats were in a combat area and suggested that their presence near Israeli soldiers could also be seen as problematic.
Moed emphasized that the soldiers were unaware of the diplomats’ presence and fired warning shots only after seeing a group approaching. He reassured that at no point were the diplomats in danger and noted that the IDF had expressed its regrets over the incident.
This event comes amid a shift in Canada-Israel relations under Carney’s government. Moed remarked that the current administration’s approach appears to be different from that of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, particularly in how it addresses concerns regarding Israel. He noted that the government’s initial actions indicate a new atmosphere in these diplomatic ties.
The situation escalated further when Carney, along with leaders from the UK and France, issued a joint statement threatening targeted sanctions against Israel due to its military actions in Gaza and the insufficient amount of food aid being allowed into the region. Carney did not detail what specific actions Canada might take if Israel does not comply with their requests, but hinted that any measures would likely be coordinated with France and the UK.
As the diplomatic landscape shifts, the relationship between Canada and Israel is being closely watched, especially in light of these recent developments.