In a significant shift reflecting the strained diplomatic ties between Canada and Israel, the Israeli embassy in Ottawa has announced that it will not replace its departing defence attaché, Colonel Ilan Or. This decision, prompted by a desire to reallocate resources, signals a deterioration in bilateral relations, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing tensions over the situation in Gaza.
Departure of Defence Attaché Signals Troubling Trends
Colonel Or, who has been serving at the Israeli embassy, is set to return to Israel at the end of July 2024. The embassy confirmed that his responsibilities will be assumed by an attaché based out of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. This marks a notable departure from previous diplomatic norms, as the last time Israel lacked a dedicated defence attaché in Canada was in 2012.
Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, remarked on the significance of this change. He noted that the absence of a defence attaché often indicates a decline in the health of diplomatic relations. “The last time we were without a defence attaché, it was a different era, and the context has shifted dramatically,” said Moed.
The role of a defence attaché is crucial in fostering military diplomacy. As Philippe Lagassé, an associate professor at Carleton University, explains, these officers serve as the primary military representatives of their countries, engaging in vital discussions about defence policies and military collaboration. The decision to withdraw such a position sends a clear message about the current state of Canada-Israel relations.
Impact of Recent Developments on Bilateral Relations
Relations between the two nations have soured significantly in recent years, exacerbated by Israel’s military operations in Gaza. According to Moed, the current government-to-government relationship is at its lowest point, a situation he describes as a “long impasse.”
The backdrop to this tension includes Canada’s recent decisions to halt new permits for exporting military goods to Israel. In January 2024, Ottawa suspended export approvals, responding to widespread criticism regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Canadian government’s stance has shifted notably, aligning more closely with its European allies, which some observers attribute to a broader re-evaluation of foreign policy in the wake of humanitarian crises.
Reallocation of Defence Resources: A New Focus
Ambassador Moed has suggested that Israel’s decision to withdraw the defence attaché from Canada is part of a broader strategy to focus on “high-interest partners.” He clarified that while he believes the role is still essential, the prioritisation of resources has led to this reallocation. “In light of current priorities, the resources allocated for Canada will be directed elsewhere,” he stated.
This realignment is part of a global shift in Israel’s approach to its defence attaché network. The Israeli Ministry of Defence has attempted to downplay the implications of this move, asserting that it does not signify neglect of the defence relationship with Canada but rather a pragmatic decision amid global needs.
The Future of Canada-Israel Defence Relations
Despite the ongoing tensions, there remains an opportunity for collaboration, particularly as Canada seeks to bolster its own defence industry. Moed noted that Israeli defence companies could play a crucial role in this strategy, although he expressed concerns about the feasibility of such partnerships without a resident defence attaché in Ottawa.
The Israeli perspective acknowledges the challenges posed by the current political climate in Canada. The recent recognition of a Palestinian state by Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside other Western nations, has further complicated the diplomatic landscape. Carney’s government has taken a firm stance on issues surrounding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which, according to him, poses risks to the prospects of a two-state solution.
Why it Matters
The decision to withdraw the defence attaché from Canada represents a critical juncture in the long-standing relationship between the two nations. As diplomatic ties continue to fray, the implications extend beyond military cooperation; they touch on broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and the humanitarian repercussions of ongoing conflicts. This shift serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of international relations, particularly when weighed against the backdrop of humanitarian crises and the evolving priorities of global diplomacy.
