Montreal Rejects Proposal to Sever Ties with Israel, Adopts Pro-Palestinian Solidarity Statement

The Montreal City Council in Canada overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to sever all institutional and diplomatic ties with Israel, following a heated debate that highlighted deep divisions over the Middle East conflict. Instead of the original motion, which would have made Montreal the largest North American city to officially cut ties with Israel, the council approved a softened resolution by a vote of 54 to 6. This revised statement expresses solidarity with the Palestinian people and urges the Canadian and Quebec governments to promote a resolution to the conflict.

The opposition to the original proposal was led by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and city leadership, who pushed for significant amendments. These changes removed all demands to sever relations with Israel and deleted harsh accusations against Israel, including claims of "apartheid" and "genocide." The amendments passed by a vote of 38 to 22. Mayor Plante emphasized that foreign policy decisions are beyond the mandate of local government, stating, "We are not a government with a national perspective on foreign affairs. This is not our role."

Outside City Hall, dozens of pro-Palestinian activists protested the decision, expressing disappointment and chanting slogans accusing council members of supporting genocide, all under heavy police security. Jewish organizations in Canada, notably B'nai Brith Canada, welcomed the rejection of the original initiative but cautioned that local governments engaging in international conflicts can inflame community tensions and encourage hate.

Meanwhile, the proposal's sponsors and pro-Palestinian activists voiced their dissatisfaction with the softened resolution, lamenting the last-minute blocking of the official severance of ties between Montreal and Israel.