Despite government denials, new data shows military goods from Canada continued reaching Israel in 2024–25, raising questions about export transparency.
Contradictory Evidence Emerges on Arms Exports
Military exports from Canada to Israel appear to have continued throughout 2024 and 2025, contradicting federal claims that such shipments were halted amid the Gaza conflict. A new report by four advocacy organizations—World Beyond War, Palestinian Youth Movement, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, and Independent Jewish Voices—presents Israeli import data and shipping records suggesting the ongoing transfer of Canadian-made military goods.
Detailed Data Challenges Government Claims
The Israel Tax Authority’s import database lists multiple entries for Canadian-origin arms, ammunition, and military parts, even after the Canadian government said it suspended permits for potentially Gaza-bound items as of January 8, 2024. Public shipping documents corroborate the data, with references to “cartridges,” “military aircraft parts,” and “GPS antennae” shipped from Montreal’s Dorval Airport to Tel Aviv as recently as July 24, 2025.
One shipment, categorized as “dangerous goods,” originated from a facility in Quebec and passed through New York’s JFK Airport before landing in Israel.
Official Policy and Permit Loopholes
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) maintains that no new permits have been approved for equipment that could be used in the Gaza conflict, and that around 30 permits were suspended. However, existing multi-year permits—granted before January 2024—remain valid and operational.
While Canada regulates but does not directly sell arms, companies must apply for export permits, which include details on end-users and quantities. Many of these permits list destinations as “defence supply chains” without further transparency.
Activist Concerns Over Lack of Oversight
Yara Shoufani of the Palestinian Youth Movement criticized the government at a press conference in Ottawa, stating the report “lays bare, without a doubt, the true extent of Canada’s ongoing material support for Israel amidst this genocide.”
She added that civil society researchers had to rely on foreign government data because Canadian authorities would not provide sufficient access to export records. The report calls for a comprehensive arms embargo to close existing loopholes and enhance accountability.
Large-Scale Shipments Documented
According to the Israel Tax Authority, Canadian shipments included:
- 175,000 units of ammunition and explosives in April 2025
- 15,000 units of military weapon parts in June 2025
These figures fall under Harmonized System codes recognized by both governments for categorizing war-related material.
Additionally, in September 2024, three separate shipments of “cartridges” were flown from Canada to Israel, weeks after Canada’s then-Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly vowed to prevent arms from reaching Gaza.
Industry Response and Classification Disputes
General Dynamics OTS-Canada, identified in a separate U.S. Pentagon deal for 120-mm mortar cartridges, said the materials were “non-lethal training rounds” that did not require an export permit. However, the company declined to confirm the ammunition type, end-user, or intended use—raising further questions about oversight.
Broader Diplomatic and Ethical Implications
Canada’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict has come under renewed scrutiny as countries around the world debate arms embargoes and humanitarian policy. More than 140 nations recognize Palestine, and Ottawa recently announced $30 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza.
However, this report raises doubts about whether Canada’s actions align with its stated commitment to peace and human rights.
Activists argue that only a blanket embargo—not conditional suspensions or selective permit reviews—can ensure Canada plays a neutral and ethical role in the conflict.
Further response from Global Affairs Canada is awaited, as the report gains traction in public discourse and Parliament.
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