The Department of Foreign Affairs says 34 export permits for military goods to Israel were suspended last year, but none involved lethal equipment — making the move largely symbolic.In a May 27 briefing note titled Arms Export Permits For Items Destined To Israel, officials said no permits had been approved since January 8, 2024, for any items that could be used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The 34 suspended permits were for goods that “could have been used” in that conflict, the department stated.However, spokeswoman Charlotte MacLeod later clarified the language, saying the suspended permits did not cover items directly for use in Gaza..“Canada suspended approximately 30 export permits for items destined to Israel that could have conceivably later been incorporated into items that could be used in that conflict,” she said.Cabinet ministers have consistently stated Canada does not export lethal weapons to Israel. “We haven’t exported arms to Israel in 30 years,” International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen told reporters last year when asked about halting military shipments.The department’s August 2023 report to the Commons foreign affairs committee confirmed only four permits for small arms were issued in the past three decades, in 2008, 2010, 2015, and 2018. .More recent permits have involved non-lethal items like GPS anti-jam software and electronic components.Critics, including New Democrat MP Heather McPherson, argue the government’s actions don’t go far enough. She accused the federal government of failing to stop transfers of military goods to Israel and not recognizing Palestinian statehood.Foreign Affairs maintains that its export control regime is robust and that the suspensions were a precaution to ensure continued alignment with Canadian foreign policy.
