Insights

Canada has initiated a criminal investigation into Canadian citizens who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the investigation, which is being conducted under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program (CAHWCP). The probe aims to assess the actions of these individuals during the conflict, with the investigation including intelligence-led data collection to preserve potential evidence of war crimes. The RCMP is soliciting witness testimony via a multilingual online portal, facilitated to ensure broad and accessible reporting. Several Canadian nationals who served as IDF soldiers, including non-Israeli lone soldiers, are currently under scrutiny. Reports indicate that this investigation began in early 2024 and is characterized as a comprehensive fact-finding mission. However, it has not gained as much public attention as similar investigations related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Observers note a growing trend of critical sentiment from the Canadian government toward Israel’s military actions in Gaza, especially concerning humanitarian issues. On May 19, 2025, Canada joined the French and British governments in criticizing plans announced by the Israeli Security Cabinet aimed at intensifying ground operations in Gaza. The Canadian government articulated that it would explore further responses should Israel not mitigate its military offensive and humanitarian restrictions in the region. This developing international context contributes significantly to the investigation's environment. Critics from Jewish advocacy groups have argued that the focus should be on holding Hamas accountable for its actions during the conflict rather than investigating IDF soldiers, suggesting that such inquiries could strain Canada's diplomatic relations with Israel. Overall, the situation presents complex legal and ethical considerations regarding conflict-related investigations, and public sentiment about accountability in warfare remains split, leading to ongoing debates regarding Canada's role on the international stage.