An entity collaborating with the Israeli government on expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank was under consideration for sanctions by the Canadian government, as per sources familiar with the situation. The World Zionist Organization (WZO) was initially slated to be included in a list of sanctioned entities published by Global Affairs last week but was ultimately excluded.
The WZO, designated as an “authorized agency” in Israeli law, is involved in various activities within the country, including settlement development, immigrant absorption, and coordinating Jewish organizations. Despite not making the final list, the Canadian government deems the expansion of West Bank settlements as illegal under international law.
Canada often aligns its sanctions with international partners such as Norway, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reiterated Canada’s opposition to West Bank settlement expansion and emphasized the commitment to a peaceful resolution for Israelis and Palestinians.
NGOs have advocated for sanctions against the WZO due to its involvement in displacing Palestinian communities and expanding illegal settlements. The WZO, on its part, states its mission is to promote Zionism, provide Israeli education, combat antisemitism, and support settlement development.
Efforts to sanction the WZO have been ongoing, with previous calls for action in Australia and Canada. The WZO’s Settlement Division has faced criticism for facilitating the displacement of Palestinian communities by allocating land to Israeli settlers.
Although the reasons for the WZO’s removal from the sanctions list are unclear, Canada collaborates with partners to ensure effective sanctions implementation. The published list includes individuals associated with a construction company, Libi, and four other organizations. Ottawa has faced criticism from the U.S. in the past for sanctions related to settler violence.
In a bid to promote peace efforts, the Canadian government has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in activities deemed detrimental to peace and security in the region.