Canada’s federal police have launched a war crimes investigation into several dual Israeli-Canadian nationals who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Gaza war, raising tensions within Jewish and Israeli communities in the country.

Historic Investigation Targets Dual Nationals

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) quietly began the investigation in 2024, now publicly confirmed. It targets individuals with dual Israeli-Canadian citizenship who served either as IDF volunteers or reservists, under Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program.

The program seeks to uphold international legal standards and prevent Canadian soil from becoming a safe haven for alleged war criminals.

Concerns of Bias and Chilling Effect

Leaders within Canada’s Jewish and Israeli communities have voiced alarm, fearing the investigation could disproportionately target individuals with ties to the IDF and discourage future participation or expression of support for Israel.

“This could create a chilling effect for Canadians who want to support Israel or serve in the IDF,” said one community representative anonymously.

Legal and Political Ramifications

This is the first time Canada has formally pursued such a case involving alleged war crimes by IDF-affiliated Canadian citizens. It marks a broader shift in Ottawa’s posture on international accountability amid global scrutiny of actions taken during the war in Gaza.

The RCMP has not disclosed the number of individuals under investigation or the specific incidents being examined.