Canada has made the decision to halt all future military exports to Israel following a non-binding motion passed in the House of Commons. The move comes after a lengthy parliamentary session and reflects a shift in Canada’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The original motion, led by the New Democratic Party, called for a suspension of all trade in military goods and technology with Israel. However, after extensive debate and amendments, the final version of the motion calls for the cessation of further authorization and transfer of arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with Canada’s arms export regime.
According to a senior government source, Canada has not approved any export permits to Israel since January 8, amidst escalating tensions in the region. While specific details about the equipment supplied to Israel were not disclosed, it is reported that Canada primarily exports non-lethal equipment such as telecommunications gear and defensive items like body armor and night-vision goggles.
US Senator Bernie Sanders welcomed the move, saying in his own post on social media: “Given the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including widespread and growing starvation, the US should not provide another nickel for (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s war machine.”
Reacting to Canada’s decision, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, expressed regret, stating, “It’s regrettable that the Canadian government is taking a step that undermines Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas terrorists, who have committed terrible crimes against humanity and against innocent Israeli civilians, including the elderly, women, and children.”
However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, reaffirming Canada’s support for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.