Stephen Harper on Palestine

Stephen Harper has positioned himself as a strong and consistent advocate for the State of Israel, a stance that was solidified during his tenure as Prime Minister and which he continues to express post-politics. His core position is defined by an unequivocal defense of Israel’s right to security, particularly in its conflicts with Palestinian groups, most recently evidenced by his declaration that Israel’s war was just and that Hamas must surrender or be eliminated. He has been noted for rhetoric that frames the conflict in stark terms, often overlooking historical context related to Palestinian dispossession and occupation, while simultaneously forging deep bilateral ties between Canada and Israel, exemplified by his historic address to the Knesset in 2014.

During his time in office, his government enacted policies that visibly shifted Canadian foreign policy toward an unreservedly pro-Israel orientation, a process described by some as the “Israelization” of Canadian politics. This shift included cutting aid to Palestinian entities following Hamas's 2006 election victory and adopting an uncritical stance in international forums like the United Nations. While in office, Harper also rejected appeals to allow wounded Gaza children into Canada for treatment, with his government blaming Hamas entirely for the conflict. His approach has been characterized by a significant departure from Canada's previous image as a neutral "middle power."