JENIN, West Bank — On May 21, 2025, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots in the air to ward off a diplomatic convoy that strayed from its approved route in the volatile Jenin area of the West Bank. The convoy included diplomats from nearly two dozen countries, among them representatives from Canada, Britain, France, China, Russia, and the European Union.
Videos released by the Palestinian Authority and circulated widely show diplomats scrambling for cover as IDF troops discharged warning shots to prevent the group from entering an unauthorized and potentially dangerous zone. No injuries or damages were reported.
The IDF stated that the delegation had deviated from a pre-approved route coordinated for security reasons due to the area’s status as an active combat zone. A preliminary inquiry confirmed the deviation, prompting soldiers to fire warning shots to distance the group and ensure troop safety. The military apologized for the inconvenience caused and pledged to hold talks with the countries involved to clarify the incident.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the incident as “totally unacceptable.” Speaking from Ottawa, Carney said, “We demand a comprehensive investigation and an immediate clarification of the circumstances. This is completely unacceptable, and it is one of many unacceptable occurrences happening in the region.”
Carney confirmed that four individuals from the Canadian delegation, including two Canadian citizens and two local staff, were present during the incident. He also announced that Israel’s ambassador to Canada had been summoned to Global Affairs Canada to address Canada’s serious concerns.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed Carney’s call for a thorough inquiry and emphasized Canada’s commitment to the safety of its diplomats.
In contrast, Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, suggested that the diplomats may have been deliberately led into a provocative situation. In an interview, Moed stated, “They approached the soldiers. There was nothing noteworthy to observe. There was a very distinct barrier. So what was the purpose of crossing that barrier unless the intention was to provoke something?”
While refraining from speculation, he indicated the possibility of a calculated attempt to incite the IDF troops. Moed confirmed that the Israeli government is conducting its own investigation and will take responsibility if any misconduct is found.
The incident has further strained Canadian-Israeli relations, which were already tense following recent statements by Carney and other Western leaders threatening sanctions over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized these leaders, accusing them of emboldening Hamas.
The Jenin incident underscores the complexity and volatility of diplomatic engagements in conflict zones. The IDF’s response reflects a balance between ensuring the safety of its troops and respecting diplomatic protocols, while the Canadian government’s reaction highlights the sensitivity surrounding the protection of its personnel abroad.
As investigations proceed, both governments have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue to prevent similar incidents and maintain diplomatic ties.
This article is based on verified information from The Times of Israel, CBC News, The Jerusalem Post, Israel National News, and official statements from the Canadian government and Israeli embassy as of May 23, 2025.