The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the formation of a new Israeli government:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Prime Minister Netanyahu and Alternate Prime Minister Gantz on the formation of Israel’s new government.

“Canada and Israel share a long history as close friends, as well as partners in international organizations. As the decades have passed, we have remained united by our shared democratic values and close people-to-people ties. Both of our countries are also benefitting from the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, which is creating even more connections between people and businesses in Canada and Israel.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the new Israeli government to further strengthen the close relationship enjoyed by our two countries, which includes working together to combat COVID-19. In these times of uncertainty, our commitment to international law and the rules-based international order is more important than ever.”