Israel has a lot to offer Canada in a collaboration in the defense industry, but such a partnership is unlikely given the Jewish state’s decision not to replace its defense attaché on the ground in Ottawa, Iddo Moed, the Israeli ambassador to Canada, told JNS.
“Israel’s robust defense industry could play a substantial role in Canada’s new defense industry strategy,” Moed said. “Israel’s technological capabilities and strengths derive from our ability to develop dual technologies that beyond being combat-proof also unlock almost unlimited opportunities for collaboration worldwide.”
But a spokesman for the envoy told JNS that the ambassador “doubted that such collaboration is feasible with a non-resident attaché.”
The Israeli Defense Ministry stated that “as part of a global realignment of the defense attaché network and within existing resources, without any increase, it has been decided that the position of the defense attaché to Canada will continue to be carried out through a cross-accredited defense attaché based in Washington, D.C.”
“This arrangement ensures full continuity of engagement while leveraging the capabilities of our robust defense attaché office in Washington,” the ministry said. “Similar cross-accreditation arrangements are widely used, particularly dual accreditations covering both the United States and Canada.”
The ministry added that “Israel attaches great importance to its defense relationship with Canada and remains fully committed to maintaining and further strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.”
“Accordingly, the role of the defense attaché with respect to Canada has neither been abolished nor neglected,” the ministry stated. “Rather, it will continue to be carried out through a different operational framework.”
The Globe and Mail reported that the decision not to replace departing Col. Ilan Or on the ground in Ottawa came amid eroding ties between Israel and Canada.
A 2014 Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership committed both capitals to “maintain military attaché offices in their respective countries which are appropriate and reflect increased defense relations.”
Moed told the Globe and Mail that a defense attaché is still necessary, and Israel made the decision to “expand collaboration with high-interest partners” as part of a worldwide realignment of its defense attaché program.
“In light of current priorities, the resources allocated for Canada will be directed elsewhere,” he told the paper.
Moed told JNS that “the erosion in the bilateral relations is not the reason for the Ministry of Defense decision.”
Israel’s defensive war against Hamas has led to a rift in Israel-Canada relations. In January 2024, Ottawa suspended issuing new permits for export of military goods to Israel, as well as export permits for components that could be incorporated into weapons used in Gaza.
Despite the restrictions, Canada exported the equivalent of about $10.7 million in U.S. dollars of military goods to Israel in 2025, according to a government report.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last September that Canada was recognizing a Palestinian state, and he leads a government that has grown increasingly critical of the Jewish state.
