Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have entered a growing dispute after comments made during a public rally stirred controversy.
The argument centers on Canada’s decision to stop arms exports to Israel and the way Carney responded to a protester referencing Gaza.
The situation began during a political event in Calgary, where Carney was approached by a demonstrator who mentioned the conflict in Gaza and accused Israel of committing genocide. In response, Carney said he was aware of the situation and referred to Canada’s arms embargo. The brief exchange sparked criticism from Netanyahu, who accused Carney of siding against Israel during a difficult military campaign.
This conflict matters because it adds tension to the already fragile relationship between the two countries. Israel sees itself as fighting a war against Hamas and has counted on the support of Western allies. On the other hand, Canada has chosen to take a different path by blocking arms sales, arguing that the situation in Gaza needs urgent attention. Carney’s leadership has brought changes to Canadian foreign policy, with a shift in how the government deals with conflict zones.
Canada’s ban on new arms exports to Israel was first announced in March 2024, after a vote in Parliament. Lawmakers also called for international efforts to revive peace talks and promote the idea of two separate states. Before this decision, Canada had already paused dozens of permits for arms sales to Israel in 2023. These moves have drawn mixed reactions at home and abroad, with some praising the focus on peace and others warning it could weaken ties with long-time partners.
The rally where Carney made the remarks took place ahead of Canada’s upcoming election, making his words more visible and subject to scrutiny. While Carney later said he had not heard the full comment from the protester, his brief response was enough to fuel backlash from Israeli officials. They believe Canada is turning its back on a key democratic ally in the Middle East, especially at a time of conflict.
Carney became Canada’s prime minister in March 2024, replacing Justin Trudeau after nearly a decade in office. With a background in economics and experience as the head of major central banks, Carney brought a new voice to Canadian politics. His position on the Gaza conflict has quickly become one of the most debated topics during his early months in power.
As the situation develops, the disagreement between Israel and Canada could affect diplomatic relations and global conversations about arms sales and responsibility in conflict zones. Both leaders now face pressure — one to maintain support abroad, and the other to defend decisions made at home.