Netanyahu, Trudeau phone call ‘very positive’
OTTAWA — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered his congratulations to prime minister- designate Justin Trudeau in a phone call affirming the friendship of the two countries — even if it won’t always be shouted from Canada’s rooftops.
Rafael Barak, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, said the call from Netanyahu took place last Friday, and left his country assured that relations between Canada and the Jewish state will remain strong after the defeat of the Harper Conservatives.
Harper faced criticism for a Middle East policy many analysts said tilted too much toward Israel, and gave short shrift to the Palestinians. But Harper also built a very warm relationship with Netanyahu, who regularly lauded “Stephen” as a great friend to Israel.
Past Liberal governments have always had a pro- Israel foreign policy, but because of the vocal support of the Conservatives since 2006, some Israeli commentators wonder whether the new Liberal majority government will still be as close to Israel.
Barak told The Canadian Press Thursday that Trudeau also has a record of unwavering support for Israel.
“Mr. Trudeau has been very consistent from the very beginning of his campaign, in expressing his support for Israel,” said Barak.
“I’m sure maybe the style will change,” the envoy added. “But I don’t feel there will be a change on the substance. I’m really reassured.”
Kate Purchase, Trudeau’s spokeswoman, characterized the conversation as a “very positive call.”
Trudeau also “explained there would be a shift in tone but Canada would continue to be a friend of Israel’s,” she added.
During the federal election campaign, Trudeau also said he would re-establish diplomatic relations with Iran, which Israel views as an existential threat.
Canada severed diplomatic relations with Iran, closing its embassy in Tehran and kicking Iranian diplomats out of Canada on Sept. 7, 2012, citing concerns over the safety of its diplomats, and calling Iran a threat to world peace.
At the time, Netanyahu called that “not only an act of statesmanship, but an act of moral clarity.”
Barak said if Trudeau follows through on re-establishing relations with Iran, it would not be damaging to relations with Israel.
“This is a Canadian issue ... It is a domestic Canadian consideration of the security of their diplomats,” said Barak.
“On Iran, he has also been saying all the right things that Canada has been saying.”