Canada reviews arms exports to 'Israel' via US loophole amid Gaza war
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Canada reviews claims that its military exports reach Israel through a US loophole, despite an official freeze linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
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A Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet is seen arriving at the Florennes military airbase in southern Belgium, on October 13, 2025 (AFP/Getty Images)
Global Affairs Canada is reviewing a report that reveals continued Canadian military exports may be reaching “Israel” through US arms loopholes, despite Ottawa’s freeze on direct arms shipments that could be used in the war on Gaza.
The report, titled "Exposing the US Loophole: How Canadian F-35 Parts and Explosives Reach Israel," was published Tuesday and outlines hundreds of shipments from Canadian defense manufacturers to US-based weapons factories supplying the Israeli military.
“Global Affairs is aware of the report and is reviewing it,” spokesperson Samantha Lafleur said in a statement to Anadolu. “Canada has not approved any new permits for items to Israel that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza since January 8, 2024.”
Read more: Global arms bans isolate 'Israel', yet its war machine keeps running
Global Affairs confirms export permit suspensions
Lafleur emphasized that no new permits have been approved for the transfer of military items to "Israel" since the beginning of the year. She also confirmed the suspension of about 30 export permits in 2024.
“All permits suspended in 2024 remain suspended and cannot be used to export to Israel,” she said, adding, “Exporting controlled goods or technology without a valid permit is a violation of Canadian law and may result in enforcement actions, including fines, seizure of goods, and potential criminal prosecution.”
She confirmed that all applications are assessed case-by-case, in accordance with Canada’s risk assessment framework and the Arms Trade Treaty, which is embedded in Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act.
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Report exposes flow of Canadian F-35 parts to Israel
The report claims that Canadian-made F-35 components were shipped from US factories to "Israel" just days after arriving. It also highlights Canada’s role in enabling the transfer of European-manufactured TNT to US bomb-makers producing weapons for "Israel".
“The report also exposes, for the first time, Canada’s role as a vital transit corridor for hundreds of shipments of European-made TNT en route to US bomb-makers,” it states.
Rights advocates say this undermines the government's claim that it has halted military support for the war on Gaza.
Read more: How Saudi F-35s would not erode Israeli air superiority: Report
Rights groups warn of loopholes in Canadian oversight
Activist groups and political figures argue that Canada’s export freeze is being rendered meaningless by indirect supply chains through the United States.
“Let me be clear on this point, despite our government’s attempts to placate us, to create the illusion of having addressed Canada’s arming of Israel’s tax we see now the Canadian-made military goods have continued to flow to Israel this entire time,” Rachel Small from World Beyond War told reporters.
“The US loophole” is a “way for the government to continually claim innocence, while its weapon trade continues to go through the United States unchecked,” said Haneen Muhanna from the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Read more: Canada dodges confirming role in Israeli Gaza war 'lessons' seminar
Government cites legal obligations under Arms Trade Treaty
Lafleur reiterated that all military exports are regulated under Canadian law, with oversight mechanisms in place to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Still, pressure is mounting. New Democratic Party MP Jenny Kwan said the revelations show the government can “no longer claim ignorance or distance” from how Canadian arms exports may be used.
