Ambassador notes shift in Canada-Israel relations as Ottawa condemns IDF incident involving Canadian diplomats in West Bank.
Canada-Israel relations are entering a markedly different phase, according to Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed. In a recent interview, Moed described the evolving dynamic as a “new atmosphere,” shaped by the initial signals from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration.
This shift follows a tense diplomatic exchange after Canadian diplomats were caught in the vicinity of Israeli military activity in the West Bank. While no injuries were reported, the fallout has drawn strong words from Canadian officials—and raised fresh questions about the future tone of bilateral relations.
Canadian Diplomats Caught Near IDF Fire Zone
The controversy erupted after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots near a convoy that included four Canadian diplomats operating in the West Bank. Although no one was harmed, the incident triggered immediate diplomatic action from Ottawa.
“Relieved to know our team is safe,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand on X. She added, “We expect a full investigation and accountability,” after instructing officials to summon Israel’s ambassador.
Prime Minister Carney also condemned the event, calling it “totally unacceptable.” The ambassador, however, challenged the framing.
Ambassador Questions Ottawa’s Outrage
In response, Ambassador Moed pushed back on Canada’s assessment, questioning what exactly was deemed unacceptable. “Was it the fact that the diplomats came close to Israeli soldiers in a combat zone? Or that they were off the agreed route? To me, that is unacceptable too,” he said.
Moed clarified that while the IDF fired warning shots, there was no immediate threat to the delegation’s safety. “At no point in time was anyone in danger,” he emphasized. He noted that the IDF had expressed its regrets and that the group was mistakenly perceived as an unidentified unit by soldiers unaware of their diplomatic status.
Diplomatic Accountability Amid Regional Tensions
Carney, speaking to reporters, broadened his criticism, describing the incident as one of “many things” in the region that are troubling. His remarks suggest a stronger diplomatic posture from Canada, setting a new precedent for how Ottawa may engage with regional partners under his leadership.
As relations evolve, observers will be watching whether this “new atmosphere” marks a one-time diplomatic flare-up—or the beginning of a more assertive Canadian approach to Middle East policy.
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