Protests erupted outside the Munk Debates in Toronto on Wednesday, where a panel of all-Israeli speakers discussed Israel’s national interest regarding a two-state solution. Approximately 200 demonstrators participated, voicing their discontent with signs and Palestinian flags. The gathering was eventually dispersed by police.
Contentious Debate on Two-State Solution
The Munk Debates featured a heated discussion centered on the prompt: “Be it resolved, it is in Israel’s national interest to support a two-state solution.” Notable speakers included:
- Ehud Olmert – Former Prime Minister of Israel
- Tzipi Livni – Former Justice and Foreign Minister
- Michael Oren – Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States
- Ayelet Shaked – Former Justice Minister
Notably absent were Palestinian representatives, leading to criticism from attendees. Protester Trevor Miller expressed his outrage, stating that the absence of Palestinian voices was “indefensible.”
Defense of Debate Format
Rudyard Griffiths, the debates’ chair, defended the panel’s composition, stating their insights and experiences warranted their selection. He emphasized that this debate was just one aspect of a broader conversation concerning Palestinian statehood.
Griffiths acknowledged the debate was significant due to its potential to highlight “deep fractures” within Israeli society. He mentioned that many United Nations member states, including Canada, recognize Palestine as a state, in contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a two-state solution.
Allegations of War Crimes
Increasing tensions surrounding the event were compounded by allegations of war crimes against the speakers, particularly Olmert and Livni. Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) sent a formal request to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Justice Department, urging an investigation into the former officials for actions taken during the Gaza conflict of 2008-2009.
According to a UN report from 2009, Israel was accused of committing serious breaches of international law during that conflict. These included accusations related to unlawful killings and destruction of property. Henry Off, a human rights lawyer with CLAIHR, emphasized Canada’s obligation to investigate such allegations under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Future of the Debates
When questioned about the inclusion of Palestinian voices in future debates, Griffiths expressed openness to other organizations hosting discussions that might include differing perspectives. He reassured critics that the Munk Debates are a private entity and not publicly funded.
Despite the controversy, the event underscored the complex and ongoing discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
