Canada says no new arms export permits approved for Israel since early January

OTTAWA — Canada has not approved new arms export permits to Israel since January 8 and the freeze will continue until Ottawa can ensure the weapons are used in accordance with Canadian law, the government says.

Export permits that were approved before January 8 remain in effect, the office of Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly says in an emailed statement.

The political survival of Canada’s minority Liberal government depends on support from the left-leaning New Democrats, who are calling for a tougher line with Israel over the Gaza conflict.

“Canada has one of the most rigorous export permit regimes in the world. There are no open permits for exports of lethal goods to Israel,” the statement says. “Since January 8, the government has not approved new arms export permits to Israel and this will continue until we can ensure full compliance with our export regime.”

Canadian law bars the export of weapons if they could be used in “a serious violation of international humanitarian law” or “serious acts of violence against women and children.” Ottawa must also consider whether the arms “would contribute to peace and security or undermine it.”