Why Does Canada Now Dare to Criticize Israel?

Last week, Canada, along with France and the UK, issued a joint statement condemning Israel. The statement described the suffering in Gaza as "intolerable" and criticized the limited humanitarian aid allowed by Israel as "wholly inadequate."

The statement also denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, calling it "entirely disproportionate" and "horrific." According to the medical journal The Lancet, Israel's actions have resulted in the deaths of 54,000 Palestinian citizens in Gaza - a number widely believed to be lower.

What was Canada and Israel's Relationship Before?

Canada's direct condemnation of Israel may not have been imagined before. The country has begun to experience a shift in its approach to Israel. According to CBC, during Stephen Harper's leadership, starting in 2011, Canada became one of the most vocal supporters of Israel on the world stage. Harper aligned Canada with a small group of pro-Israel nations, including the United States and some Pacific island nations, which often disagreed with the majority of UN members in contested votes.

This group routinely opposed resolutions criticizing Israel or supporting Palestinian interests, a stark change from Canada's more balanced voting record a decade earlier. Harper also had a close personal relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for his piano duet performance for him in 2014-a gesture still remembered in Israel. Justin Trudeau followed Harper's footsteps, also positioning Canada as a friend of Israel.

Why is this Condemnation Happening Now?

Michael Lynk, a Canadian law professor and former UN special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, told Middle East Eye, "Canada is a central power in the context of the Middle East and Israel. However, I have never seen Canada use such harsh language for a long time-probably never."

A former senior Canadian official, speaking anonymously, also noted that this is "a new tone that we have never seen before."

Traditionally, Canada has sought cues from Washington on how to respond to developments in the Middle East, especially on the sensitive Israel-Palestine issue, which elicits intense public reactions on both sides.

However, the situation has changed. Israel's two-month-long siege in Gaza has almost destroyed all infrastructure in the enclave, and Canada now has a new leader-Prime Minister Mark Carney, an economist with no career in politics, has made his statements more straightforward.

Lynk argues that Carney's lack of political baggage, particularly compared to his predecessor Justin Trudeau, has allowed him to respond to the humanitarian crisis more assertively. "Given the severity of this situation, Carney may have just risen to the occasion," Lynk said.

Carney, who had never run for office before last month's election-where his Liberal Party won a minority government-previously served as the governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada. He has explained that he sees Canada as being closer to European partners than to the US, especially after years of tension with the Trump administration.

Three major incidents involving attacks on humanitarian workers have tested Canada's support for Israel. The killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab, an attack on a relief convoy, and the death of a Canadian veteran in April 2024 have all drawn international condemnation.

The recent attack on an ambulance convoy has further fueled demands for accountability, forcing Canada and its allies to reconsider their previously unwavering support.

Does This Signify a Shift in Canada's Stance?

The International Court has described Israel's 19-month war in Gaza as reasonably genocidal, and several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have labeled it as genocide.

Although only the United States has the influence to enforce a ceasefire, former President Trump often pursued his own "America First" policy, sometimes sidelining Israel, as seen in his recent dealings with Hamas, the Houthi, and Iran.

With Gaza in a "dire state," former Canadian officials explained that while pro-Israel lobby groups are influential in Canada, "they do not have the final say." Canada's political system has more oversight and balance over money and donations compared to the US, making it difficult for lobby groups to dominate policy.

The UK and France, which have taken tangible actions to accompany their condemnation of Israel. Canada, on the other hand, has previously criticized but generally avoided actions that could anger the United States, Israel's main ally and Canada's strong southern neighbor.

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