By Canadian Press

MPs debate how to challenge Israel’s judicial reform and push for regional peace

May 17, 2023 | 10:43 AM

OTTAWA — Canadian MPs are mulling how vigorously and publicly they should challenge moves by Israel’s far-right government to curtail the power of judges and expand illegal settlements on Palestinian land.

At an event this week marking 75 years of Israel’s existence, Jewish MPs and their peers are taking stock of Canada’s relations with the Middle Eastern country.

The MPs note that Ottawa has increasingly voiced concerns about the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

His government has allowed the expansion of settlements that are illegal under international law, and it wants to allow Israel’s parliament to overturn decisions by the country’s Supreme Court.

Liberal MP Ya’ara Saks says it’s important to call out friendly countries when they are headed down a bad path, but another Liberal MP, Anthony Housefather, says most disagreements should be aired in private.

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A House of Commons committee has opted to study the recent trends in Israel as well as violence by terrorist groups against Israelis, with all parties except the Conservatives voting in favour of holding the hearings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2023.

The Canadian Press