(Ottawa) The Israeli ambassador to Canada joins those calling on the federal Liberals to clearly express Ottawa’s position on South Africa’s allegation of genocide against Israel before the International Court of Justice.
Iddo Moed says Canada should adopt a position that “leaves no room for misinterpretation.” The ambassador emphasizes that many of Canada’s allies have expressed a clear position on this issue.
The United Nations’ top judicial body held two days of public hearings last week in The Hague as South Africa alleges that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel says it is defending itself against Hamas after its surprise and brutal attacks on October 7, but South Africa maintains that nothing justifies the scale of the Israeli response.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not specify whether Canada agreed with the South African allegations, or even whether Ottawa would recognize the international court’s decision if it were to find Israel guilty of genocide.
Mr. Trudeau insisted Wednesday that his position was clear last week when he said Canada’s support for the International Court of Justice did not mean it supported the South African case. But many organizations said the prime minister’s statements were confusing.
Mark Kersten, professor of criminology at the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, believes that the Canadian government is resorting to “confusing language” to avoid taking a position on an issue that could further divide the Liberal caucus and the Canadian electorate.
South Africa says more than 50 countries support its cause, including all 22 members of the Arab League. Most Western countries that traditionally support Israel have remained neutral on this issue or have outright rejected the South African thesis.