Canadian Conservative Leader Poilievre Backs Israel's Right to Strike Iranian Targets

Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, has openly expressed his support for Israel’s right to strike Iranian sites, escalating a debate with the Liberal government over Canada’s stance on the Middle East. In a heated exchange with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Poilievre criticized the government for its handling of the conflict, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack.

Poilievre accused Joly of focusing on her political ambitions rather than condemning antisemitic rhetoric at pro-Palestinian protests. He called on the government to clearly denounce chants such as "From Palestine to Lebanon, Israel will soon be gone," heard at recent demonstrations. "Will the government clearly condemn these genocidal chants from hateful mobs on our streets?" Poilievre asked, arguing that the Jewish community has been victimized both by the attack and by antisemitic slogans.

Joly responded by accusing Poilievre of politicizing the anniversary of the Hamas attack and demanded an apology. While she reiterated her opposition to antisemitism in all forms, Poilievre continued to press for stronger action, asking Joly to publicly support Israel’s right to strike Iranian and Hezbollah targets.

Poilievre went further by advocating for Israel to "proactively strike Iranian nuclear sites and oil installations to defund the terrorist regime." This position comes after a recent Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, part of the growing tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah.

The Canadian government, however, has distanced itself from Poilievre’s stance. Defence Minister Bill Blair acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense but made it clear that the government does not endorse strikes on Iranian oil or nuclear sites. Blair emphasized that military targets, not infrastructure, should be the focus, aligning with US President Joe Biden’s warnings to avoid escalating the conflict by targeting Iran’s oil facilities.

Poilievre’s position on Iran reflects his broader support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah. The situation has intensified since the October 7 Hamas attack that left over 1,200 people dead and 250 taken hostage, sparking continued fighting in Gaza and heightened tensions across the region.

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