14 Dec 2010
Canada has long been known as a neutral mediator. The country has often played a nonaligned diplomatic role, but when it comes to foreign policy on Israel, the government of Canada has given up any pretence of neutrality and very publicly picked one side.
In 2008, when Hamas won democratic elections in Gaza, Canada was the first to cut all aid to the Palestinian Authority.
In 2009, during Israel's attack on Gaza, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning the attack. Canada is the only country that stood with Israel in that vote.
When Hugo Chavez expelled Israel's ambassador over the Gaza attack, Canada said that it would take over representing Israel in Venezuela.
In the past five years, Canada has turned into Israel's strongest ally, particularly under conservative prime minister, Stephen Harper.
Many analysts argue that the key reason for the new friendship between the two countries is that the Harper government shows unconditional support for Israel.