Israel is running a widespread and deeply embedded, covert influence operation in Canada, and the government has refused to treat it as interference by a foreign actor, a new report by Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) has said.
The group is now calling on Ottawa to designate Israel as a "key threat actor" alongside the likes of China and India, expel Israeli diplomats, and ban Israeli spyware, among other recommendations published on Wednesday.
"The pattern of deception and disinformation outlined in this report demonstrates the malicious role of the Israeli state in interfering in Canadian public affairs, undermining the rights and safety of Canadians," CJPME said.
"This rogue state behaviour has taken place within Canadian borders with a total lack of accountability, and requires immediate intervention by authorities."
While most countries are known to lobby one another in their own interest, Israeli activities cross a line because they are largely undisclosed, the report said.
