Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu issued a strong condemnation on Thursday in response to comments made by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who appeared to validate a protester’s allegation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
“Canada has always sided with civilization. So should Mr. Carney. But instead of supporting Israel, a democracy that is fighting a just war with just means against the barbarians of Hamas, he attacks the one and only Jewish state. Mr. Carney, backtrack your irresponsible statement!” Netanyahu wrote on X.
Netanyahu’s post came after video surfaced showing Carney at a Calgary rally on Tuesday. During the event, a protester shouted, “Mr. Carney, there is a genocide happening in Palestine,” to which Carney responded, “Thank you…I’m aware. Which is why we have an arms embargo.”
The next day, reporters asked Carney about the incident, prompting him to clarify his remarks. He claimed he had not heard the word “genocide” and had only meant to reference existing Canadian arms restrictions.
“I didn’t hear that word,” Carney said. “It’s noisy. If you’re up there you hear snippets of what people say and I heard Gaza, and my point was I’m aware of the situation in Gaza.”
Carney, who took over as Liberal leader last month following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, was quick to weigh in on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He criticized the shutdown of electricity to the territory, though he stopped short of naming Israel.
“It has been more than two days that the supply of electricity to Gaza has been shut off,” Carney stated, adding, “It must resume. Essentials including food, electricity and medical supplies should never be used as political tools.”
He went on to assert that Canada should act in coordination with its allies to defend international legal standards, encourage long-term regional peace, and ensure humanitarian access to Palestinian civilians.
Carney also emphasized the need for both parties to advance toward “the return of all hostages and the completion of the ceasefire agreement.”
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially supported Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and joined several global leaders in affirming Israel’s right to defend itself while calling for civilian protections.
However, Trudeau later took a markedly different stance, condemning Israel and insisting that the “killing of women, of children, of babies” in the Gaza Strip must end.
{Matzav.com Israel}