Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, has issued a firm response to a joint statement from Canada, the UK, and France threatening “concrete actions” against Israel if it does not halt its renewed military campaign in Gaza and ease restrictions on humanitarian aid. Moed made clear that no foreign government will dictate how Israel conducts its war, emphasizing the country’s focus on eliminating the designated terror group Hamas and securing the release of the remaining 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
The joint statement from the three Western leaders condemned Israel’s military escalation as “wholly disproportionate” and warned that failure to change course could result in targeted sanctions and other measures. The statement also criticized Israel’s recent decision to allow only limited aid into Gaza as “wholly inadequate,” and called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a pathway to a two-state solution.
Ambassador Moed, however, declined to speculate on how Israel might respond if Canada follows through with further punitive actions. He stressed that channels of communication between Israel and Canada remain open, noting that officials from both countries spent the past weekend exchanging messages about Israel’s efforts to deliver aid directly to civilians in Gaza and prevent it from falling into the hands of Hamas.
Moed also called on Canada’s new Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, and Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit Israel to gain a firsthand perspective on the realities facing the country. “I think that he should,” Moed said, referring to Carney. “Seeing the reality on the ground brings perspective into opinions.”
The ambassador underscored Israel’s opposition to a two-state solution, a position at odds with the long-standing policy of Canada and other G7 nations, who continue to advocate for the creation of a Palestinian state as the only path to lasting peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Moed’s defiance, accusing the Western leaders of offering Hamas “a huge prize” by threatening action against Israel and warning that such international pressure only emboldens terrorists and undermines Israel’s security.
As diplomatic tensions rise, Ambassador Moed’s message is clear: Israel will continue to act in its own security interests, regardless of external threats or criticism, and remains committed to defeating Hamas and bringing its hostages home.