Canada has suspended around 30 export permits for arms to Israel, a decision that includes contracts with American defense companies. This action, driven by humanitarian concerns and internal pressures, marks a significant shift in the country’s arms export policy.
Canada Suspends Arms Exports to Israel: 30 Permits Canceled by Mélanie Joly
By Alban Albanese
Published on September 11, 2024 3:00 pm
Canada has made a significant decision by suspending around 30 export permits for arms to Israel, an exceptional measure that also affects a contract between the Canadian subsidiary of General Dynamics and the U.S. government. This suspension, announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, comes after a reevaluation of export policies in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to Joly, these permits had been approved before a ban imposed in January on new arms sales that could be used in conflicts in Gaza, where living conditions have deteriorated.
Humanitarian Concerns at the Core
Minister Joly stated that this decision is part of a clear policy: no weapons or parts of weapons should be sent to Gaza, regardless of logistical details. The suspended permits include ammunition destined for the Israeli Defense Forces, produced by a Canadian division of the American defense giant General Dynamics. The suspension of these permits reflects not only a reevaluation of military relations between Canada and Israel but also a response to the increasingly frequent pro-Palestinian protests across Canada.
Impact on Trade and Diplomatic Relations
In 2022, Israel was one of the top ten recipients of Canadian arms exports, with shipments estimated at 21 million Canadian dollars. This figure, although down from 26 million dollars recorded in 2021, shows the importance of the defense trade relationship between the two nations. However, Canada’s recent suspension of permits could signal a cooling of bilateral relations at a time when other countries, such as the United Kingdom, are also taking similar actions.
A Broader International Trend
Indeed, the United Kingdom recently announced the suspension of some of its arms exports to Israel, citing concerns about their potential use in violation of international humanitarian law. Thus, this Canadian decision is part of a broader international context of reevaluating arms export policies, particularly in sensitive conflict zones like the Middle East.
Potential Impacts on the Defense Industry
The suspension of export permits to Israel could impact the Canadian defense industry while highlighting the government’s commitment to responsible practices in arms trade. Discussions with major players like General Dynamics are ongoing, and Canada continues to monitor the situation to ensure that its policies reflect its values regarding human rights and international responsibility.