Two-way arms embargo on Israel
Petitioners ask Canada to impose a bilateral arms embargo on Israel, investigate any Canadian weapons used against Palestinian civilians, review military/security cooperation, and close transfer loopholes. The government responds that exports are reviewed under Canada’s export law and the Arms Trade Treaty and that about 30 permits to Israel are suspended.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would bar Canadian military goods from contributing to harm and reduce the risk that Canadian arms or components are used against Palestinian civilians.
- An embargo, investigation and review would signal a clear Canadian stance for human rights and could increase diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire and humanitarian access.
- Closing loopholes and reviewing cooperation would increase transparency and accountability over transfers routed via third parties.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- An embargo could damage Canada–Israel defence and security relations and complicate existing cooperation the government treats as strategic.
- It may disrupt legitimate defensive supplies or maintenance chains and complicate procurement or interoperability for Canada and partners.
- Proving misuse and enforcing an embargo can be legally and practically complex, may be circumvented, and could duplicate existing export‑control systems.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada Whereas: I am personally moved by the heartbreaking violence that has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in Gaza and Palestine due to the Israel-Hamas war from October 2023 to December 2024. Across Gaza, more than 40,000 souls were lost, with approximately 70% being women and children. In the same period, 1,706 Israelis were reported dead. The conflict has not spared the occupied West Bank either, where it claimed the lives of 479 Palestinians, including 116 children, and 9 Israelis. While these numbers are staggering, rest assured that this is not a number game. Each statistic signifies a life, a hope, a dream extinguish too soon, and a family forever marked by grief and loss. Canada has taken significant measures in the past, imposing a two-way arms embargo on Israel following the outbreak of violence against Palestinian civilians. Such measures should be implemented again. By placing a two-way embargo on arms between Canada and Israel, our nation will stand firmly on the side of peace and human rights, sending a strong message that violence cannot and will not be supported. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Impose a two-way embargo on arms between Canada and Israel; 2. Investigate whether Canadian weapons or weapons components have been used against Palestinian civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories, including during the current war on Gaza; 3. Review all military and security cooperation between Canada and Israel; and 4. Close loopholes that allow the unregulated and unreported transfer of military goods to Israel through the United States.
Government response
Response by the Minister of National Defence Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David J. McGuinty Canada’s relationship with Israel on defence and security matters is governed by the 2014 Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership. This is subject to both annual consultations as well as a comprehensive review of the memorandum of understanding every five years. Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada is deeply alarmed by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Government continues to condemn the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023. The Government also recognizes the devastating toll faced by Palestinians as a result of the ensuing conflict. The number of civilians that have been killed is unacceptable. Ongoing restrictions on desperately needed humanitarian aid are intolerable. Canada continues to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the resumption of UN-led humanitarian aid flows. This war must end now. Canada remains committed to advancing progress towards the two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in peace and security. Co-ordinated international action is needed to preserve the viability of the two-state solution. For these reasons, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. This is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to governance reforms, to holding elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarizing the Palestinian state. Canada has one of the strongest export controls systems in the world, and respect for human rights is enshrined in our export controls legislation. This was strengthened by Canada’s accession to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2019, implemented by amendments to the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA), including to provisions for permit issuance as well as enhancing public reporting requirements. All export permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s robust risk assessment framework, including against the ATT criteria which are enshrined in Canada’s EIPA. Canada’s missions abroad are consulted as part of the export permit review process, considering the local and regional situation and associated security risks. Permits to export controlled goods and technology from Canada will not be issued if there is a substantial risk that they could be used to commit or facilitate a violation of International Human Rights or Humanitarian Law. The Annual report on Strategic Goods and Technologies Pursuant to Section 27 of the Export and Import Permits Act for the year 2024 has been tabled in the Parliament of Canada. The report is tabled annually to promote transparency around Canadian exports of military items and provides information on the export of military goods and technology from Canada in a given calendar year. Global Affairs Canada does not comment on the specifics of transactions due to commercial confidentiality. Canada has not approved any new permits for items to Israel that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza since January 8, 2024. We continue to assess whether other permits are appropriate for potential defensive purposes, including for parts that would go into other items necessary for the Canadian forces. In 2024, Canada also suspended approximately 30 export permits for items destined to Israel that could conceivably have been incorporated into items that could be used in that conflict. All permits suspended in 2024 remain suspended and cannot be used to export to Israel. Exporting controlled goods or technology without a valid permit is a violation of Canadian law and may result in enforcement actions, including fines, seizure of goods, and potential criminal prosecution.