JERUSALEM — Israel has barred several Canadian members of Parliament from entering Judea and Samaria, according to Israeli and Canadian officials, a move that has drawn attention in Ottawa and raised questions about the scope and purpose of foreign parliamentary visits to sensitive areas.
The decision was taken ahead of a planned delegation visit that included meetings with Palestinian officials and civil society groups. Israeli authorities confirmed that the entry denial was based on security and diplomatic considerations, consistent with long standing policy regarding foreign officials whose itineraries include engagement with entities or activities Israel views as potentially undermining its security or sovereignty.
An Israeli government spokesperson said that Israel “retains full discretion over the entry of foreign officials into Judea and Samaria,” adding that such decisions are assessed on a case by case basis. The spokesperson noted that Israel regularly facilitates visits by foreign lawmakers but reserves the right to restrict access when visits are deemed incompatible with security concerns or official policy.
Canadian officials acknowledged that members of Parliament were informed that they would not be permitted to enter Judea and Samaria as planned. A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said Ottawa is seeking further clarification from Israeli counterparts. “Canada supports parliamentary engagement abroad,” the spokesperson said, “and we are in contact with Israeli authorities to better understand the circumstances surrounding this decision.”
The MPs involved have not all publicly commented, but one Canadian parliamentarian said the denial was “disappointing” and emphasized that the visit was intended to gather firsthand information. Israeli officials, however, have previously argued that some foreign delegations use such visits to advance political narratives that are hostile to Israel or that legitimize actors Israel considers problematic.
Israel has applied similar restrictions in the past to foreign lawmakers from several countries, including members of the European Parliament and other national legislatures. In those cases, Israeli officials cited participation in boycott campaigns, public support for measures targeting Israel, or planned meetings with groups linked to incitement or violence.
Security analysts note that Judea and Samaria remain a highly sensitive region, with ongoing security operations, frequent friction points, and the presence of terrorist organizations. “From Israel’s perspective, foreign political visits are not neutral events,” said a former Israeli security official, speaking to Israeli media. “They can have real implications on the ground, both politically and operationally.”
The incident comes amid strained relations between Israel and the Canadian government over Middle East policy. In recent months, Israeli officials have expressed concern about statements and positions taken by Canadian leaders at international forums, particularly those related to ceasefire resolutions and recognition initiatives. While Israel and Canada maintain diplomatic relations and cooperation, differences over policy toward the Palestinians have become more visible.
Jewish and pro Israel advocacy organizations in Canada have responded cautiously to the news. Some groups argued that Israel has a legitimate right to control access to Judea and Samaria, especially for foreign officials whose visits may be politically motivated. Others urged both governments to resolve the matter quietly to avoid further diplomatic friction.
“This is ultimately about sovereignty and security,” said a representative of a Canadian Jewish organization. “Israel faces unique challenges, and decisions about who enters sensitive areas are not made lightly.”
At the same time, parliamentary observers in Canada noted that denied access can complicate lawmakers’ efforts to assess foreign policy issues firsthand. “Parliamentarians often rely on site visits to inform their work,” said a former Canadian diplomat. “When access is denied, it tends to escalate into a political issue rather than remaining a technical one.”
Israeli officials stressed that the decision does not represent a blanket ban on Canadian parliamentarians. They pointed out that Canadian MPs and officials continue to visit Israel regularly, including Jerusalem, and meet with Israeli government representatives, civil society leaders, and regional experts.
As discussions continue between Ottawa and Jerusalem, both sides appear keen to prevent the episode from escalating into a broader dispute. Global Affairs Canada said it remains committed to dialogue with Israel, while Israeli officials reiterated their commitment to bilateral relations with Canada.
