ccording to an article by CBC News,
“Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke
fiercely in defense of Israel Monday [20
January], accusing critics of anti-Semitism,
vowing to stand with the country, and
drawing heckles from two legislators who
eventually stormed out of his speech to the
Knesset.”

In his closing speech to Israel’s parliament,
Harper said “through fire and water,
Canada will stand with you.” He was
rewarded with a standing ovation from
most of the crowd. In his speech, Harper
also discussed the history between the
two countries and stated that Israel and
Canada share many democratic values.
The Prime Minister also discussed
the relationship between
Canada’s and

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Israel’s military forces, stating that they
share both information and technology in
order to work together.

Harper is the first Canadian prime minister
to address the Knesset, the legislative
branch of the Israeli parliament.

According to the CBC, Harper “accused
Israel's Western critics of moral relativism,'
said they single out Israel "to go along to
get along,” and called this approach “weak
and wrong.” He continued to address
criticism of Israel, saying “some civil-
society leaders today call for a boycott
of Israel... most disgracefully of all, some
openly call Israel an apartheid state. Think
about that. Think about the twisted logic
and outright malice behind that. A state,
based on freedom, democracy and the rule
of law, that was founded so Jews can
flourish as Jews, and seek
shelter from the
shadow

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of the worst racist experiment in history...
that is condemned, and that condemnation
is masked in the language of anti-racism.

It is nothing short of sickening." He even
went so far as to say this criticism is “the
new anti-Semitism,” though he did concede
that “criticism of Israeli government policy
isn't in and of itself ‘necessarily anti-
Semitic.”

Harper then discussed the issue of a new,
peaceful Palestinian state. He stated that
along with Israel, Canada hopes “the
Palestinian people and their leaders will
choose a democratic Palestinian state that
lives peacefully alongside Israel.” The Prime
Minister also announced $66 million in aid
for Palestinians.

Harper continued by addressing the
possibility of further sanctions on Iran. He
stated that he hoped Iran would
turn away from the
pursuit

of nuclear weapons, but that the existing
sanctions would remain in effect until
more progress towards that goal is made.
In regards to the role of Israel in relation to
Iran, he expressed sympathy over Israel’s
situation, and stated that many of the
threats Israel faces are the same as those
faced by western countries.

Harper was welcomed to the parliament

by a red carpet. Benjamin Netanyahu, the
Israeli Prime Minister, greeted Harper with
“welcome to Israel, dear friend.” Netanyahu
also claimed that Israel was appreciative of
Harper’s support.

This trip is part of a broader visit to the
Middle East. This declaration of loyalty is
another step on the long path of support
Harper has shown for Israel in his foreign
policy since his rise to power.