Israeli ambassador, Jewish groups reject recognition of Palestinian statehood
"Carney has chosen politics and moral cowardice over principle," said Arsen Ostrovsky, who said statehood does little but reward Palestinian terrorists
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OTTAWA — Israel’s ambassador to Canada says Canada’s planned recognition of Palestinian statehood without any real change does little but legitimize Hamas terrorism.
In an interview with the Toronto Sun, Amb. Iddo Moed said it’s naive of Canada to expect Hamas — currently the de facto government in Gaza — to abide by any of the conditions laid out by Prime Minister Mark Carney as integral to Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
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“Hamas welcomes this move, whether they do it officially in writing or not, they have already indicated in the past few days they welcome any kind of pressure on Israel,” Moed said.
“Hamas has decided to pull away from negotiations, so there is no line-of-sight right now towards any kind of ceasefire, or, of course, the release of hostages.”
On Wednesday, Carney said Canada’s recognition rests on Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’ ability to carry out reforms, including elections that Hamas can have no part of and demilitarization of the Palestinian State.
Carney made no mention, however, of the release of remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7 2023 terror attacks.
“I don’t think that’s an expectation from the Palestinian Authority because they are not in charge of it, but they would be very wise and timely to implore upon the Palestinian Authority to do whatever they can to facilitate the release of the hostages,” Moed said.
“That’s definitely something that could have been mentioned there.”
Human rights lawyer and International Legal Forum CEO Arsen Ostrovsky told the Sun Wednesday’s announcement makes Canada the latest nation to kowtow to Hamas.
“Carney has chosen politics and moral cowardice over principle, rewarding the murderers and rapists of Oct. 7th, whose brutality claimed the lives of not only Israelis but also Canadians,” he said.
“The decision is just the final betrayal of Israel, that will also only pour more fuel on the antisemitic fire already raging across Canada.”
Indeed, anti-Jewish activists used the Oct. 7 attacks to launch an unprecedented campaign of antisemitism here in Canada — ranging from regular protests and intimidation marches through Jewish neighbourhoods, to Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses subject to vandalism, protests and even gunfire.
In their annual antisemitism audit released earlier this year, B’nai Brith Canada said antisemitism is being normalized in Canada, with 6,219 separate incidents of hatred against Jews reported in 2024.
Moed also remarked that Carney’s promise of antisemitism legislation reflects his understanding that what’s happening in the Middle East has a direct impact here in Canada.
“But given the reactions from the Jewish community, their concern is that the immediate response from the pro-Hamas groups will only increase the threat they feel as a result of the rising antisemitism,” the ambassador said.
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In a statement, Allies for a Strong Canada — an organization mobilizing non-Jewish allies to stand against antisemitism — said the move will do little but inflame the hate already brewing on Canadian streets.
“As Canadians, when we stand against terrorism and for peace around the world, we safeguard peace and safety right here in Canada,” the statement read, saying Carney’s plan has no means to remove Hamas and the danger they pose to both Israelis and Palestinians.
“The announcement from Ottawa fails that test — absent a real peace process in the region, Prime Minister Carney and his government must refrain from actions that will damage the hope of lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Canadian Jewish groups expressed concern over Carney’s announcement.
B’nai Brith Canada’s Richard Robertson described the declaration as “dangerously premature,”
“As the government’s intent to recognize a Palestinian state is predicated on the PA’s commitment to democratic reform and demilitarization, B’nai Brith Canada questions whether the PA can be trusted as a legitimate state actor and partner in the peace process,” he said.
“It bears reminding that, since its inception, the PA has offered a multitude of rhetorical concessions while failing to actuate upon them.”
Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), said recognition without change is a recipe for yet another terrorist-controlled pseudo-state.
“This is predicated on misplaced faith in vague commitments by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, notorious for his corruption, lack of democratic credibility, and funding of terrorists,” he said.
“It is deeply concerning that the government did not link statehood recognition to the removal of Hamas and the return of Israeli hostages. This only emboldens Hamas and condemns Palestinians and Israelis — including the hostages and their families — to more suffering.”
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