A member of the Israeli Knesset has urged Canada to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, also known as Judea and Samaria, instead of supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state. Dan Illouz, who was raised in Canada, expressed his dismay at the Canadian government's intention to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it a dangerous departure from Canada’s tradition of moral leadership.

Illouz emphasized that moral clarity is essential for democracies, stating, "Rewarding violence is never the path to peace." He criticized Canada’s response to the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, including women and children. He argued that Canada should have unequivocally supported Israel, a democratic ally, but instead, he claims it has wavered and adopted a stance of appeasement.

He pointed out that Canada has condemned Israel's right to self-defense more harshly than it has condemned the actions of Hamas. Illouz also noted the rise of antisemitism in Canada, particularly on university campuses, and criticized the government for not adequately supporting its Jewish community during these times.

According to Illouz, recognizing a Palestinian state would not only be a misstep but would also reflect a foreign policy that punishes democracies while accommodating dictatorships. He described the October 7 massacre as a significant moral test for the free world, asserting that many failed to respond appropriately.

Illouz argued that the idea of establishing a Palestinian state is misguided, especially given Hamas's ongoing hostilities and the Palestinian Authority's corruption. He stated, "Hamas does not want compromise; it wants carnage," and warned that recognizing a Palestinian state would embolden both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

He called for the world to recognize that there is only one legitimate state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea: Israel. He described the application of Israeli law to the West Bank as a formal recognition of the historical and moral rights of the Jewish people to the land.

Illouz highlighted that Judea and Samaria are not foreign territories but are central to Jewish civilization, citing historical documents such as the League of Nations' Mandate for Palestine, which recognized the Jewish people's right to re-establish their national home in the region.

He argued that applying Israeli sovereignty would provide clarity, normalize governance, and protect all residents under a unified legal system. He believes that recognizing Israeli sovereignty would send a strong message that terrorism has consequences and that democratic nations can stand firm against violence.

Illouz concluded by urging Canada to lead by example, stating that recognizing Israeli sovereignty would not be a step away from peace but rather the first honest step toward it. He called on Canada to reaffirm its commitment to the historical and legal rights of the Jewish people in the region.