A recent report by a coalition of four non-governmental organizations (NGOs) reveals that numerous shipments of explosives and components for fighter jets have been transported from Canada to Israel via the United States over the past two years. The report, based on export data and U.S. Department of Defense contracts, alleges that these exports circumvent Canadian export controls by passing through the U.S., ultimately aiding Israel in carrying out military operations in Gaza.
The report highlights specific instances, such as 34 shipments of military aircraft parts sent to Lockheed Martin facilities in the U.S. before being transferred to Israel, as well as shipments of explosives and TNT from Canadian facilities to the U.S. and then onward to Israel. While the exact use of these shipments by Israeli military facilities cannot be verified, the report emphasizes that such components are crucial for maintaining fighter jets like the F-35.
Global Affairs Canada responded, stating that no new permits for items potentially used in the Gaza conflict have been approved since early 2024. The NGOs argue that Canadian companies exploit a legal loophole in Canada’s export regulations by sending goods to the U.S., where they become untraceable by Canadian authorities, absolving them of accountability for potential human rights violations.
The report also details shipments of Canadian-manufactured aircraft parts to Israel, including controllers from Honeywell Aerospace and uplock assemblies from Héroux-Devtek. Additionally, shipments of explosives from General Dynamics plants in Quebec to U.S. military facilities producing munitions for Israel were highlighted.
The NGOs are urging the Canadian government to implement a complete embargo on arms and military components destined for Israel. They presented their findings at a news conference, calling for stricter control measures and an end to the exploitation of loopholes in the export system. The report has prompted discussions in the Canadian Parliament, with a private member’s bill proposed to address arms control exemptions linked to such exports.
