Recognizing Palestine Would Be Dangerous and Premature

Prime Minister Mark CarneyJuly 30, 2025

OTTAWA – B’nai Brith Canada is deeply concerned following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement Wednesday evening that his Government intends to recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations (UN) 80th General Assembly in September.

“This decision is dangerously premature,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “As the Government’s intent to recognize a Palestinian state is predicated on the Palestinian Authority (PA)’s commitment to democratic reform and demilitarization, B’nai Brith Canada questions whether the PA can be trusted as a legitimate state actor and partner in the peace process.”

B’nai Brith Canada welcomes the Prime Minister’s reaffirmation that the Government is committed to a two-state solution that precludes Hamas from participating in any future Palestinian state. But it bears reminding that, since its inception, the PA has offered a multitude of rhetorical concessions while failing to actuate upon them. 

“Although Canada should play a leading role in securing an end to the Israel-Palestine conflict, recognizing Palestine as a state at this juncture would be premature and could undermine efforts to achieve a lasting peace,” Robertson said. “Such a decision could also be leveraged by anti-Israel extremists as an endorsement of their vitriolic actions that have been fomenting hate across the country.”

In advance of the UN’s General Assembly in September, B’nai Brith Canada urges the Government to reconsider the viability of formally recognizing a Palestinian state under these circumstances. 
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