Israel is seeking to strengthen technological ties with Canada by promoting collaboration on artificial intelligence and other innovations, despite significant diplomatic tensions between the two countries over Middle East conflicts. Israeli Ambassador Iddo Moed acknowledged that the bilateral relationship is currently at its lowest point in nearly eight decades, yet expressed optimism about partnership opportunities in technology and innovation.
Relations between the two nations have been strained amid disagreements over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Canada has accused Israel of serious violations of international law, while Israel contends that Canadian policies are undermining peace efforts. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has not met or spoken formally with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Carney has criticized Netanyahu’s administration for its management of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, specifically pointing to repeated restrictions on aid deliveries to Palestinians.
In May, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand condemned Israel’s treatment of Canadians involved in a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza, citing violations of the Vienna Convention. Israel, in turn, accuses Canada of damaging peace prospects through its ongoing criticism, changes in voting patterns at the United Nations, and its formal recognition of the State of Palestine.
Despite these issues, Ambassador Moed maintains that Canada remains interested, at least to some degree, in cooperation on technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity defense. Moed highlighted the potential for Israeli and Canadian companies to work together on advancing defenses against cyberattacks, as well as utilizing data analytics to improve municipal infrastructure such as road traffic management.
Israeli firms are also promoting collaboration on healthcare initiatives, notably their hospital-at-home model. This approach involves monitoring patients with acute or chronic medical conditions via wearable devices and remote video consultations. Having tested this model in pilot projects across Europe and the United States, Israeli companies are now looking to expand it to Canadian provinces.
“Our aim is to connect businesses in both countries to leverage Israel’s innovative solutions alongside Canada’s larger population and access to the U.S. market,” Moed said. This outreach comes at a time when shifting trade dynamics, including disruptions to North American partnerships, pose both challenges and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
While diplomatic difficulties continue to create a complex backdrop, Israeli officials remain hopeful that technological and commercial engagement can provide common ground and mutual benefit for both nations.