OP-ED: Selective justice? Canada’s approach to investigating Canadians who served in the IDF
Dr. Dotan Rousso writes, "In early 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) quietly launched a 'structural investigation' into potential war crimes related to the Israel-Hamas conflict."
By Dr. Dotan Rousso. Born and raised in Israel. Holds a Ph.D. in Law—a former criminal prosecutor in Israel. He lives in Alberta and teaches Philosophy at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
In early 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) quietly launched a “structural investigation” into potential war crimes related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. While not a formal criminal investigation at this stage, it could eventually lead to legal action against Canadian citizens who have served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Although this initiative began last year, it only came to public attention in mid-2025 after advocacy groups pressured the RCMP to confirm its existence, sparking widespread media coverage and a national debate.
The investigation raises important questions about justice and fairness in Canadian foreign policy. It focuses on individuals who were defending their country amid an extremely complex and tragic conflict. The broader context cannot be ignored: this war was not initiated by Israel, but was violently forced upon it during the horrific October 7th Hamas attack, when over 1,200 civilians were massacred and 250 were taken hostage, including babies and toddlers. To put this in perspective, Per capita, this would be equivalent to 4,800 Canadians murdered and 1,000 kidnapped in a single day (!). Many victims suffered unimaginable brutality. It is therefore deeply troubling to see investigations targeting those who responded to this attack, raising concerns about moral and legal consistency.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that Israel, unlike terrorist organizations, is a functioning democracy with a strong and independent judiciary. The Israeli legal system has investigated and prosecuted its own soldiers on numerous occasions—for example, more than 500 cases were opened following the 2014 Gaza conflict, some resulting in convictions. Meanwhile, Canada has rarely launched similar investigations into its own citizens’ actions during controversial military engagements abroad, such as in Iraq or Afghanistan. This disparity invites legitimate questions about equal application of justice.
Adding to the complexity is the challenge of reliable information. Much of the casualty data cited by pro-Palestinian advocacy groups comes from Hamas, a group known for propaganda and misinformation. A recent example occurred on June 1, 2025, when Hamas claimed the IDF executed 31 civilians at a Rafah food aid center. This claim was widely reported but strongly disputed by the IDF and contradicted by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which oversees the site. Such contested and politically charged allegations make it risky to base formal investigations on data that is far from conclusive.
Moreover, this investigation risks sending a political message that Canada, a longstanding ally of Israel, may be distancing itself at a critical time. Such perceptions could inadvertently support efforts by Hamas and other groups to isolate and delegitimize Israel. By focusing on those who responded to terror rather than the terrorists themselves, Canada risks being seen as taking sides in a highly charged conflict, potentially undermining its reputation as an impartial and fair actor on the global stage.
The consequences of this approach could extend beyond Israel. Canada’s credibility in international diplomacy depends on its ability to maintain balanced and principled positions. Being viewed as partial or inconsistent may damage Canada’s standing in future conflicts and peace efforts worldwide.
As a Canadian-Israeli, I watch this development with deep concern. Upholding justice and protecting civilians should remain paramount, but policies must be grounded in fairness, accuracy, and context. Without these, Canada risks alienating important allies, emboldening extremists, and compromising its own values. In seeking to uphold human rights, Canada must ensure it does not inadvertently undermine the principles it strives to defend.
Unfortunately, I believe our government is wanting the votes of the immigrants (many Muslim and likely much higher number than the Jewish population) and that's what we are seeing. They have an agenda and want to keep up their power no matter what the cost is for Canadians.
The Liberals are not a friend of Israel. Jews peacefully settled in Israel from the diaspora and have been attacked by muslim countries ever since. They are fighting for their lives while Liberals are trying to undermine their very right to protect themselves and their tiny country about the size of New Jersey.
Truly an embarrassment to all Canadians.