Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he travels to Canada.
During an interview with Bloomberg published in the third week of October 2025, Prime Minister Carney was asked if he would honor the ICC's arrest warrant for Netanyahu should he enter Canada. Carney responded affirmatively, stating he would fulfill the commitment. His confirmation followed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.
The Canadian Prime Minister’s position is consistent with the commitment of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who indicated during his terms that Canada would be legally obligated to act on an ICC warrant.
In November 2024, the Internationa Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader. The charges for Netanyahu and Gallant include the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.
An Israeli government official urged Carney to reverse his pledge, saying, "We believe that Prime Minister Carney should, of course, reconsider this and welcome the leader of the only Jewish state and democratic country in the Middle East, to Canada,"
The situation highlights Canada's legal obligations under international law as a signatory to the Rome Statute, which created the International Criminal Court. However, the willingness of countries to enforce Its warrants, especially against leaders of allied nations, can vary.
