Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to comments made by Canadian Prime Minister and liberal leader Mark Carney at this week’s political rally, commenting on the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Heckler during the rally can be heard saying, “Genocide is happening in Palestine.” After the crowd settled, Carney said, “I know, so we have an arms embargo.”
Netanyahu said, “Instead of supporting Israel, a democracy that is fighting a fair war by means of the wild bars of Hamas, he will attack the only Jewish state.”
“Mr. Carney, please backtrack your irresponsible statement!” added Israeli Prime Minister.
Before Netanyahu could respond, Carney was asked to clarify his comments at a press conference on April 9th. He said pro-Palestinian protesters heckling at his rally had not heard the word “genocide” being spoken. Carney says it’s loud and you say, “I heard the snippets of what people say, and I heard “Gaza.” “I said.
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“My point is that I was aware of the situation in Gaza,” Carney told reporters, adding that Canada has “a public record issue” that since January 2024 there have been restrictions on arms exports to Israel.
Carney was once again asked by a reporter about his stance on whether genocide was happening in the Gaza Strip on April 10th. He called the situation “terrifying” and said the question was in front of the International Court of Justice. “I don’t, and I don’t politicize that word or this situation,” Carney said.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas became a hot political issue in Canada, with the liberals internally splitting about how to respond. The Canadian Jewish community is also facing a number of violent acts targeting schools and facilities with gun shots and Arsons.
Carney said this week that the liberal government would not recognize the Palestinian state, French President Emmanuel Macron said in June that it could be done this year.
“We support solutions in two states, but with the Israeli state living for peace and security, we support solutions in two states with a free and viable Palestinian state of peace and security.
Israel and Hamas had a two-month ceasefire with hostages and prisoners, but the truce has been broken in recent weeks. Israel resumed its military operations on March 18th, attempting to create a security zone within the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Hamas and Islamic jihad resumed launching rockets at Israel.
Hostilities began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists entered Israel and the civilians who were slaughtered, winning around 250 hostages.
Reuters contributed to this report.
