Canada’s recent decision to support a United Nations resolution critical of Israel has sparked significant backlash, with critics warning it marks a departure from a principled foreign policy and weakens its alignment with democratic allies. The resolution, which condemns Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and calls for a peace conference, passed with overwhelming support from 157 member states, but was opposed by Israel, the United States, and six other countries.
Canada’s vote is seen as part of the Liberal government’s broader shift away from years of unwavering support for Israel at the UN. Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the UN, justified the decision as a reflection of Ottawa’s concerns over the viability of a two-state solution. However, the resolution has been widely criticized for its lack of balance, failing to name Hamas or other Palestinian militant groups responsible for violence, and instead placing disproportionate blame on Israel.
The move comes at a time when Israel is already grappling with heightened security concerns following Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, 2023, which left more than 1,400 Israelis dead and dozens of hostages in Gaza. While Rae condemned the attack and called for the release of all hostages, critics argue that Canada’s vote undermines solidarity with Israel during a time of profound national trauma.
Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong described the vote as “singling out Israel” and reversing Canada’s long-standing foreign policy. He argued that the resolution rewards those who perpetuate violence against civilians and pledged that a future Conservative government would stand more firmly with Israel and its democratic allies.
Jewish advocacy groups echoed these concerns. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) called the vote an “abandonment of Canada’s principled foreign policy” and warned it sends the wrong message at a critical juncture in the Israel-Palestine conflict. CIJA noted that Canada had consistently opposed similar motions for nearly a decade, recognizing their biased approach toward Israel.
These resolutions fail to address the nuanced realities of the region, including the destabilizing influence of Hamas and Iran, while disproportionately targeting Israel, the Middle East’s only democracy. By supporting such a resolution, Canada risks emboldening those who incite violence and undermining Israel’s fundamental right to defend itself.