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Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during an event announcing the start of construction on the Contrecoeur terminal expansion at the Port of Montreal in Contrecoeur, Que., Thursday, April 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
By The Canadian Press

Carney says Canada not considering sanctioning Israel over Lebanon strikes

Apr 9, 2026 | 9:37 AM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday Canada is not considering sanctions on Israel after it attacked Lebanon this week and appeared to violate a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran just hours before a Tuesday night deadline he had set for a mass bombing campaign in that country.

Despite that agreement, Israel attacked Beirut on Wednesday in a renewed effort to strike the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group. Those blasts killed at least 203 people and wounded hundreds more in the deadliest day of the war in Lebanon since the latest conflict began on Feb. 28.

Iran has threatened strong responses to the attack on Beirut but Israel and the U.S. have both said Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire deal.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to start next week in Washington to support the tentative ceasefire in the Iran war.

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Speaking at a media event at the Port of Montreal on Thursday, Carney said the ceasefire is “very fragile” but insisted the end of hostilities in the Middle East must include Lebanon.

“That certainly had been the understanding and that needs to be the reality on the ground,” he said.

A reporter asked Carney whether he would consider sanctioning Israel in response to its attacks. He brushed off the suggestion.

“Canada will use its offices, its influence, to support. I wouldn’t go to what you’re suggesting as the method at this point, at this delicate point in time in order to advance, but the ceasefire needs to include Lebanon and needs to include it now,” he said.

Carney added Thursday that Hezbollah “needs to be brought under control.”

The prime minister was among the world leaders who signed a statement issued Wednesday calling on all sides to implement a ceasefire, including in Lebanon. That statement was reissued Thursday, with more than 10 additional world leaders adding their names to the statement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2026.

— with files from The Associated Press

Craig Lord, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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