Canada resumed moral global leadership by a stunning and forceful defense of international law and critique of Israel’s announced plans to annex southern Lebanon. It has clearly intimidated the Israeli leadership. Read more.

April 1, Ottawa

A powerful statement by the Government of Canada has forced Israel to abandon its plans to permanently occupy the south of Lebanon and cease its barbaric bombing of civilians in Beirut. It has allowed Canada to resume the moral high ground established by Prime Minister Carney in Davos.

Global Affairs Canada posted the fierce statement on Facebook. (No press release has been posted.) Perhaps for this reason, there has been little commentary in the media.

OFIP has prepared for its readers, a handy 9 point summary of the statement.

1. Canada condemns the Israeli plan to occupy southern Lebanon
2. Canada STRONGLY condemns the Israeli plan
3. Canada pleads with Israel to try to avoid killing civilians
4. Canada begs Israel to refrain from attacking infrastructure and health workers
5. Canada urges Israel to act according to international law
6. Canada warns Israel “we might do something”
7. Canada further warns Israel “we really, really mean it this time”
8. Canada expresses solidarity with the people of Lebanon, BUT….
9. Canada opposes any efforts by Hezbollah to defend Lebanon or its people against Israeli aggression!!

“I was shocked and intimidated by Global Affairs Canada’s statement”, Israeli Foreign minister Israel Katz told the New York Times, “Israel will start withdrawing its forces from Lebanon beginning immediately. We are relieved to see, however, that Canada did not mention Gaza, the West Bank, Syria or Occupied East Jerusalem. Nor has it condemned our attack on Iran. Phew!”

April 2 revision

PM Carney must have been hurt by my April 1 post. Today, he condemned Israel’s illegal invasion of Lebanon and refuted Israel’s claim that it was justified by the need to fight Hezbollah.