Israel slams Canada for statement opposing West Bank settlement expansion

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Canada’s foreign ministry, Global Affairs Canada, restated its opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, triggering a public response from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Canada said settlements in occupied Palestinian territory violate international law and weaken prospects for peace, security and stability, while also calling for de-escalation, civilian protection and respect for international humanitarian law.

The Israeli ministry rejected Canada’s position on social media, arguing that Ottawa was focusing criticism on Israel rather than on Palestinian attacks against Israelis. In its response, Israel used the term “Judea and Samaria” for the West Bank, language commonly used by Israeli officials and settlers who assert historical and religious claims to the area.

The exchange came as Al Jazeera cited worsening violence in the West Bank. The report said the United Nations has recorded 76 Palestinian deaths this year in settler attacks, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned earlier that Israeli plans to expand settlements and outposts were contributing to alarm over revenge rhetoric and collective punishment. The UN said it had logged about 190 settler attacks in each of the first four months of 2026, with the pace potentially exceeding last year’s total.

Al Jazeera also noted recent strain between Canada and Israel over the West Bank. In December, Israel denied entry to six Canadian members of Parliament who had planned to meet Palestinian officials and human rights advocates, according to the report.