Canada's government has publicly condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that has ignited a diplomatic exchange with Israel.

Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, stated that these settlements are illegal under international law and that their expansion undermines prospects for peace, security, and stability in the region. The statement came amid an reported increase in violence against Palestinian communities by settlers.

The Canadian statement, issued on Wednesday, emphasized that "Canada condemns the ongoing violence in the West Bank. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank must stop." It also called for de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

This diplomatic friction follows similar concerns raised by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which expressed alarm over Israeli government announcements to increase settlements and outposts, and noted calls for "revenge and collective punishment" against Palestinians.

The UN has reported a significant rise in settler attacks. In the first four months of 2026, approximately 190 such attacks were recorded, a rate that could lead to about 2,000 attacks by year's end, surpassing the 1,835 recorded in the previous year. The UN also indicated that 76 Palestinians have died this year due to settler violence.

In response to Canada's statement, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the position, accusing Canada of emboldening "terror." The ministry pointed to what it described as a "wave of Palestinian terrorism" in the West Bank, stating that Canada's focus should be on terrorists rather than condemning settlement expansion.

Canada's reiterated opposition aligns with long-standing international consensus, which largely regards Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal. The recent uptick in violence and settlement activity has intensified scrutiny from international bodies and governments.

The exchange highlights the persistent international disagreement over Israeli settlement policy and its impact on regional stability, with Canada joining other nations and international organizations in calling for a halt to expansion and greater protection for Palestinian civilians.