Canadian Prime Minister Carney slams Israel “I am disappointed with the decision by the Israeli police to prevent the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Christian Communities of the Holy Land from marking Palm Sunday at the Holy Sepulchre. These actions further violate the longstanding status quo of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites. People of every faith in Jerusalem should be able to worship freely, fully, and without fear.”
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a scathing statement on Sunday, March 29, 2026, joining European leaders in condemning the Israeli police’s decision to block the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday.
Carney, who has frequently clashed with the Netanyahu government over the legality of the ongoing Iran war, framed the incident not as an isolated security measure, but as a systematic erosion of religious freedom in the Holy City.
“I am disappointed with the decision by the Israeli police to prevent the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Christian Communities of the Holy Land from marking Palm Sunday… These actions further violate the longstanding status quo of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites,” Carney stated.
The “Carney Doctrine”: Diplomacy Over Force
Since the start of “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28, 2026, Carney has maintained a delicate balancing act that has often frustrated Washington and Jerusalem:
- The “Regret” Support: On March 3, Carney stated that Canada supported the objective of neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat “with regret,” but criticized the U.S. and Israel for acting without UN consultation or ally engagement.
- International Law First: Carney has repeatedly asserted that “international law binds all belligerents,” refusing to grant Israel a “blank check” for its regional operations.
- The Recognition of Palestine: In a historic move in September 2025, Carney’s government officially recognized the State of Palestine, a decision he defended as essential to preserving a two-state solution that he claimed the current Israeli government was “methodically working to prevent.”
Regional Fallout: The “Christian Factor”
The Prime Minister’s focus on the “Christian Communities” reflects a strategic effort to appeal to a broad domestic and international base. By highlighting the obstruction of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Carney is aligning Canada with the Vatican and the EU, effectively isolating the U.S. as Israel’s sole major defender in this specific incident.
A Strained Relationship
The personal and political friction between Carney and Netanyahu is well-documented:
- Defense Spending: While Carney recently announced that Canada finally met the NATO 2% target on March 26, he emphasized that this military build-up is for “strategic autonomy,” not to facilitate “unilateral wars of choice” in the Middle East.
- Trade Tensions: Amidst a broader trade war with the Trump administration, Carney has sought to distance Canada’s foreign policy from Washington’s, positioning Ottawa as a “middle power” mediator.
| Issue | Carney’s Position (March 2026) |
| Jerusalem Status Quo | Must be respected; religious freedom is absolute. |
| Iran War | Calls for “rapid de-escalation” and diplomatic engagement. |
| Palestinian Statehood | Recognized by Canada (Sept 2025) to preserve peace. |
| NATO Obligations | Met 2% target; focus on Canadian/Arctic sovereignty. |
