Canada To Cease Weapon Sales To Israel

Due to extensive pressure from the Palestine solidarity movement, the Canadian government has announced its intention to cease weapons exports to Israel. Demonstrations in Montreal outside Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly’s residence demanded an end to Canada’s military and diplomatic backing of Israeli actions deemed genocidal. On March 19, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly revealed the government’s decision to halt arms shipments to Israel, following a lengthy parliamentary debate and the passage of a non-binding motion to suspend arms exports.

Minister Joly’s confirmation aligned with previous reports of Canada’s slowdown in military export approvals since January 8, now transitioning this pause into a formal prohibition. While Canada’s contributions to Israel are smaller compared to the US, amounting to USD 15 million in 2022 alone, reports indicate authorization of USD 21 million in military exports during the initial two months of Israel’s conflict with Gaza.

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Although Israeli officials criticized Canada’s move, it resonated with millions in the global Palestine solidarity movement, urging similar actions from their governments. The decision reflects extensive advocacy efforts, yet concerns persist regarding the motion’s limitations. While the motion refrains from recognizing Palestine officially and suspending all military trade with Israel, it does commit to halting future arms exports.

Activists urge the full implementation of the motion, especially as Minister Joly clarified that it won’t affect military export permits approved before January 8. Groups like Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East demand the revocation of all such permits to prevent weapon deliveries to Israel.