In July, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would officially recognize a Palestinian state, marking a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy that has been in place for nearly 80 years. This decision has drawn criticism for its timing and implications, particularly regarding its potential impact on Israel and its current government.

Canada's relationship with Israel dates back to 1947, when the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) was formed to address the Palestine question. Justice Ivan Rand of the Supreme Court of Canada was a member of this committee. UNSCOP recommended the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, a proposal accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab representatives. Following the declaration of the State of Israel on May 15, 1948, several Arab nations invaded, leading to a conflict that resulted in Israel's victory. Canada recognized Israel in 1949, influenced by Rand's support for the partition and the established institutions within the Jewish community.

Historically, Canada maintained that any resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be negotiated directly between the parties involved, without external imposition. This stance remained unchanged until Carney's recent announcement.

The shift in policy comes amid ongoing tensions in the region. In 1956, during the Suez Crisis, Canadian Foreign Minister Lester B. Pearson played a crucial role in de-escalating the situation, proposing a withdrawal of invading forces and the establishment of a United Nations Emergency Force, for which he later received the Nobel Peace Prize. Canadian troops participated in this force until its disbandment in 1967.

After the Six-Day War in 1967, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 242, which called for Israel to exchange land for peace. Canadian representative George Ignatieff was instrumental in drafting this resolution, which emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement. This principle was reiterated in Resolution 338 after the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Despite its historical role, Canada is no longer a major player in Middle Eastern politics. Critics argue that recognizing a Palestinian state, which lacks defined borders and a stable government, may embolden hardline factions within Israel. They contend that this recognition could be interpreted as a justification for further Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

As Canada navigates this new policy direction, questions arise about its intended outcomes and the broader implications for peace in the region.