The Foreign Minister of Canada (which is considered a very friendly country to Israel) announced that Israel will stop exporting its arms to Israel, after the House of Representatives in Canada called for a halt to arms shipments to Israel. The Jewish community in Canada attacked the decision and said it undermined Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas
Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who is the official authorized to approve arms export permits, said that this is a significant and not a symbolic change and that “Canada will not export arms to Israel.” This, following the criticism in the Democratic Party of the IDF’s activity in Gaza – and the possibility of a new operation in Rafah.
The Canadian government’s decision to stop the supply of arms to Israel comes against the backdrop of growing pressure from the NDP party, the left-wing wing of the government on which the Trudeau coalition depends for its continued survival. The party claims in recent weeks that he is not doing enough to “protect the civilian population in Gaza”. Tonight the parliament there withdrew at the last minute a resolution proposal to recognize a Palestinian state.
According to the report in the Canadian media, to date Canada has exported a wide variety of goods and technology intended for both civilian and military purposes, such as telecommunications equipment, encryption equipment, protective equipment, simulators and electronic components, firearms and ammunition. A number of Canadian companies have expressed opposition to the slowdown in exports to Israel, because it also applies to equipment that is not intended for military use. As a result of the government’s decision, a delivery of armored vehicles made by a Canadian company to the Israel Police was stalled.
The Jewish community in Canada attacked the decision and said it undermined Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.
Israel’s foreign minister, Katz, responded to the decision that “it is unfortunate that the Canadian government is taking a step that undermines Israel’s right to self-defense against the Hamas murderers who committed terrible crimes against humanity and against innocent Israeli citizens, including the elderly, women and children. The State of Israel will continue to fight until the destruction of Hamas and the return of all abductees and abductees home.”
Israel-Canada friendship chairman MK Dan Iloz added in a letter to Joly that the decision is a “dangerous signal to the world that Canada is ready to reject a democratic ally in favor of reconciling radical elements.”
In Israel there is now a fear of a domino effect following the decision of Canada, which is considered a very friendly country, which will lead to other countries following suit. However, Ottawa was not a major supplier of weapons to Israel.
