Israel requests Canada lift arms export suspension, end funding to UNRWA

A senior Israeli envoy is visiting Canada this week, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and secure several key requests from Ottawa, including the resumption of arms exports to Israel, a halt to funding for the UN relief agency for Palestinians, and increased trade and cooperation.

Aliza Bin Noun, political director at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, emphasized Israel's desire to build a deeper relationship with Canada, noting significant shifts in the Middle East in recent months.

“We are in a different ball game in the Middle East today, given the very rapid developments of the last months,” Bin Noun remarked in an interview, Caliber.Az reports, citing Canadian media.

She highlighted Israel’s successes against Hamas and Hezbollah, two groups designated as terrorist organizations by Canada, and their shared support from Iran. Bin Noun also stressed Israel's efforts to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions, calling for continued international pressure on Tehran.

She commended Canada's decision to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity, following terrorist activities and connections to Hezbollah and Hamas. However, she called for Canada to lift its suspension of arms exports to Israel, imposed in response to the war with Hamas. While Canada had halted new military permits in January 2023, it suspended 30 previously issued permits in September.

Israel has faced heavy criticism over its actions in Gaza, with over 45,000 Palestinians reported dead. Bin Noun defended Israel's position, stating that the situation in Gaza has calmed and that efforts toward a ceasefire and the release of hostages are progressing. "This suspension issue is not compatible to the current situation, and it wasn’t before, especially when we remember that Israel did not start this war," she said.

In addition, Israel is urging Canada to end its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), after claims emerged that some employees in Gaza were linked to Hamas. Although Canada paused funding in January for an investigation, it resumed payments in March following a review that found insufficient evidence to support the allegations.

Bin Noun is meeting with Canadian government officials and has also engaged with members of the Conservative Party, including co-deputy leader Melissa Lantsman.

By Tamilla Hasanova