‘Thank you Canada’
INSTEAD of an article, Israel’s most circulated newspaper, Israel Hayom, carried a three-word thank you message on its front page on Sunday: to Canada.
Canada pulled its diplomats out of Iran last weekend, and expelled Iranian diplomats from Ottawa. Concerns for Israel and Jews featured prominently in the explanation by Canada’s foreign affairs minister, John Baird, as to why it took the decision.
He said in a statement: “The Iranian regime is providing increasing military assistance to the Assad regime [in Syria]; it refuses to comply with UN resolutions pertaining to its nuclear program; it routinely threatens the existence of Israel and engages in racist anti-Semitic rhetoric and incitement to genocide.”
Israeli President Shimon Peres called on other countries to follow suit. “Canada has proven once again that morals come before pragmatism; Canada has demonstrated that policy must reflect principles and value,” he said, expressing “hope that other nations will see Canada as a moral role model”.
He also commented: “The diplomatic isolation of Iran is an important step for the security and stability of the entire world.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Canada’s move was poignant coming hot on the heels of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, a large international gathering in Tehran, which Iranian leaders used as an attempt to boost their international legitimacy. “One week after the display of anti-Semitism and hatred in Tehran, the government of Canada is taking a moral step of the highest order,” he commented. “Canada’s determination is very important in order for the Iranians to understand that they cannot continue their race after nuclear weapons.
“This practical measure needs to serve as an example of international responsibility for the global community. It is important that the international community join in this pressure by setting Iran clear red lines.”
Despite his satisfaction with Canada’s move, Netanyahu’s main hope this week was for a breakthrough with the US in defining “red lines”. He wants a point past which Jerusalem and Washington agree that Iran’s nuclear program must not pass, and beyond which Tehran expects a joint strike.
He told Canadian television on Sunday that Israel is in discussions with the US on this subject and commented: “I don’t think that they [Iran] see a clear red line, and I think the sooner we establish one, the greater the chances that there won’t be a need for other types of action,” Netanyahu said, seemingly referring to military steps.
“If Iran saw that, there’s a chance, I won’t say it’s guaranteed, but there’s a chance they might pause before they cross that line.”
NATHAN JEFFAY
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