Israel calls on Canada to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist group
Trudeau said in January the government still exploring terrorist designation options
Israel's ambassador to Canada is calling on Ottawa to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, as the world grapples with the fallout of Iran's aerial attack on Israel on Saturday.
In an interview Sunday on Rosemary Barton Live, Iddo Moed said there was no further evidence needed to justify the designation and that the move should be the first in a broader international response.
"The first initial step would be to designate the [IRGC] as a terrorist organization. That needs to happen now, it has to happen today," Moed told CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton.
"This is really a wake-up call for all of us, we have to act," he said.
Iran attacked Saturday with what Israel said was about 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Few of the weapons made it past Israel's anti-air defence systems and the country sustained little damage, it said Sunday.
Iran had vowed revenge since an April 1 airstrike in Syria killed two Iranian generals inside an Iranian consular building. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack, but Israel has not claimed responsibility for it. Iran said that after its own strike, it "deemed the matter concluded."
Israel's military has said it is discussing possible followup options.
"What's important to note is that when Israel is hit, Israel will hit back," Moed said, when asked Sunday about possible further escalation.
Individuals sanctioned, but not entire organization
The federal Liberal government has for years resisted calls to designate the IRGC in its entirety as a terrorist organization. It has argued that such a listing would be a blunt-force approach that could affect low-level people who were forced to serve in the paramilitary force. The CIA says conscripts make up more than 50 per cent of the IRGC.
The federal government has used the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to bar high-ranking members of the Iranian regime from entering Canada.
In January, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government was still exploring the possibility of listing the IRGC.
"We know there is more to do to hold the regime to account, and we will continue our work, including continuing to look for ways to responsibly list the IRGC as a terrorist organization," Trudeau said.
In a separate interview Sunday on Rosemary Barton Live, Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, said the government would continue to think about how to address the IRGC issue.
"I think it's something that we've looked at.... There are consequences to that decision that I think have to be thought through in terms of the numbers that are covered by such a blanket designation," he said.
"We've preferred to take a much more targeted approach in terms of individuals being named, and I think we have to continue to reflect on that."
The United Nations Security Council is to meet Sunday, on Israel's request. But Rae said it was unlikely that member nations such as Russia would endorse a full-throated condemnation of Iran.
"I do think it gives an opportunity for countries to make their case and for people to understand how really unacceptable Iran's escalation of this [is]."
In a statement released on Sunday, the Group of 7 condemned Iran's attack and expressed solidarity with Israel.
"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," the statement said.
The G7 said it would continue to work to "end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need."
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With files from Rosemary Barton, Lisa Mayor, Darren Major and Reuters