How Canada’s relationship with Israel went from ‘best friend’ to breakdown
Canada is a country that has had a complex relationship with Israel over the years. From the Harper government’s staunch support for the Jewish state to Trudeau’s more nuanced approach, Canada’s stance on Israel has evolved and shifted.
In 2015, both Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau vied for the title of best friend of Israel. Harper, after winning his majority in 2011, realigned Canada’s votes at the United Nations to join a pro-Israel bloc. This bloc often found itself isolated on controversial matters, voting alone with Israel against overwhelming majorities. Harper developed a personal friendship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Trudeau, though claiming to be an even better friend of Israel, continued Harper’s approach of opposing motions favoring Palestinians or criticizing Israel.
However, in 2019, Canada’s stance began to shift. After a year of violent attacks by Jewish settlers in the West Bank, Canada voted for a UN motion affirming the Palestinians’ right to self-determination. The core pro-Israel bloc shrank, and Canada found itself diplomatically isolated for supporting Israel on certain issues.
In 2022, an election stalemate in Israel led to the formation of a government that included some of the most extreme figures in Israeli politics. This new government saw a surge in violent attacks by West Bank settlers, leading to strained relations with allies over expanding settlements and land confiscations.
The current war in Gaza was triggered by a massacre on October 7, 2023, where Hamas and allied militants invaded Israeli territory and killed hundreds of Israeli civilians. The destruction and civilian casualties in Gaza during the war have strained Israel’s relationship with its closest allies, including Canada, France, and Britain, who have historically been strong supporters of the Jewish state.
The Israel Defence Forces’ perceived disregard for civilian life has long been a point of contention in Israel’s relations with its allies. The destruction of civilian infrastructure and repeated killings of aid workers and journalists have drawn criticism from Western countries.
As the civilian death toll rises in the current war, the Trudeau government finds itself torn between maintaining its support for Israel and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The shifting dynamics in the region have put Canada in a challenging position, balancing its historical ties with Israel with the need to uphold human rights and international law.
The future of Canada’s relationship with Israel remains uncertain as the conflict continues to escalate. As the international community grapples with the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Canada must navigate its role as a mediator and ally, balancing its support for Israel with its commitment to human rights and peace in the region.
