Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has embarked on an unexpected “solidarity” journey to Israel, engaging with top political figures and touring regions affected by attacks from Hamas militants on October 7th.
A staunch supporter of Israel for many years, Harper also met with families of Israelis held captive by Hamas during his visit to Jerusalem.
“Accompanied by courageous families of our abducted citizens, we stood together in solidarity and determination. Their narratives deeply resonate, affirming our mission: to bring each and every one home,” stated Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign affairs minister, on the X social media platform.
Harper expressed his admiration for the families’ resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering, asserting, “Those responsible for these barbaric assaults must never again find refuge along Israel’s borders,” on the X social media site.
The visit by Harper, now an international consultant and leader of the International Democracy Union, serves as a departure from the actions of his successor, Justin Trudeau. Trudeau, the current Prime Minister, is among only two G7 leaders who have not visited Israel since October 7th.
In conjunction with his visit, Harper authored an op-ed in the National Post advocating for Hamas to surrender or be eradicated.
Harper initiated his trip by meeting with a delegation of Israeli parliamentarians at the Knesset, where he delivered a historic address in January 2014.
“We deliberated on the security challenges confronting the State of Israel, including the conflict in Gaza, developments on the northern front, and notably, the root of the issue – Iran,” shared speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, alongside images of the official meeting.
“I underscored our unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of all abductees and the complete defeat of Hamas. I expressed gratitude to Harper for his steadfast support of Israel during these times and urged him to continue aiding our efforts towards the outlined objectives,” added Ohana.
Harper personally conveyed appreciation to Ohana “for the warm reception in Jerusalem,” marking over a decade since “I addressed the Knesset as Prime Minister of Canada.”
Accompanying Harper was Lord Ashcroft, the former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom.
In his op-ed, Harper contended that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas transcends isolated incidents, representing a broader and more perilous phenomenon.
“A two-state solution cannot materialize now, or at any time since 1947, due to widespread rejection among Palestinians. The fundamental issue lies not with Israel. While there are challenges within Israel that require resolution, it has refrained from annexing Palestinian territories,” wrote Harper in the National Post.
Harper emphasized that prevalent slogans, such as “from the river to the sea,” epitomize the pervasive Palestinian sentiment rejecting the existence of a Jewish state on any part of the former Mandate for Palestine.
“We must acknowledge that a two-state solution cannot progress while such ideologies persist. We must develop a roadmap towards a Palestinian state, with Israel’s cooperation. However, Israel cannot be expected to pursue this path as long as such ideologies thrive among Palestinians,” continued the former Conservative leader.
Harper’s remarks coincide with recent discussions by the Biden administration regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state. On Sunday, the Israeli cabinet rebuffed such propositions, asserting that they would constitute an “unprecedented reward for terrorism and would obstruct any prospective peace agreement.”
Harper’s itinerary includes a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he referred to as a “dear friend” during his 2014 visit.
Harper also plans to visit Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community in southern Israel that was targeted by Hamas during its incursion.
“The methodical nature of the violence and the evident delight exhibited by its perpetrators betray something beyond conventional warfare. It evokes memories of the atrocities witnessed by my father’s generation,” Harper reflected on the events of October 7th in the Post.
“While not on the scale of the Holocaust, it bears a resemblance. For the Israeli nation, established in the shadow of the Holocaust, it can be interpreted in no other way.”
