Carney Embraces Erdogan in Major Defence Deal as Former Israeli Ambassador Slams ‘hypocrisy’

ANKARA, October 22, 2026 — Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a sweeping defence and trade partnership with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, embracing a NATO ally with a troubling human rights record, close ties to Hamas and a history of hostility toward Israel.

The announcement has drawn a blistering response from former Israeli ambassador Michael Oren, who accused Carney of applying a glaring double standard.

Carney described Turkey as an "exceptional" partner during his historic visit to Ankara — the first dedicated bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister.

The partnership covers military cooperation, trade, investment, energy and expanded air travel. Free trade negotiations are expected to begin next month.

But it is the defence agreement, and the possibility of Canadian nuclear technology being exported to Turkey, that are attracting particular scrutiny.

Oren: ‘Hypocrite-in-Chief’

Oren, Israel's former ambassador to the United States, wasted little time condemning Carney's outreach.

In a scathing post on X, he characterized Erdogan's government as "one of the world's most repressive, cruel, and abusive regimes," accusing it of torturing prisoners, jailing journalists and killing Kurds.

Oren then turned his criticism directly toward Carney.

"This is the same Mark Carney who never misses a chance to condemn democratic Israel and threaten us with sanctions," he wrote.

His closing words were unmistakable:

"Bon voyage to the hypocrite-in-chief."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has also questioned Ottawa's approach, criticizing what it sees as a double standard in Canada's treatment of Turkey and Israel.

Erdogan's Hamas Ties Raise Questions

Turkey's relationship with Hamas adds another layer of controversy.

Erdogan has repeatedly defended Hamas, rejecting its designation as a terrorist organization, while becoming one of Israel's most vocal international critics since the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Turkey has also maintained political ties with Hamas officials.

Canada, meanwhile, officially designates Hamas as a terrorist organization and has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to Israel's security.

The contrast raises questions about how Ottawa will balance its Middle East policies with closer military cooperation with Ankara.

Canadian Weapons, Turkish Drones — and Nuclear Ambitions

The new defence partnership also revives a contentious chapter in Canada-Turkey relations.

In 2020, Canadian-made Wescam targeting systems were found in Turkish-manufactured Bayraktar drones used by Azerbaijan during its war with Armenia.

Ottawa subsequently restricted military exports to Turkey, with most restrictions eased in 2024 following negotiations tied to Turkey's approval of Sweden's NATO membership.

Now, the two countries are exploring renewed defence industry cooperation.

A potential role for Canadian Candu nuclear technology is also under discussion as Turkey pursues plans to expand its nuclear generating capacity by approximately 20 gigawatts by 2050.

No nuclear construction agreement has been finalized.

Human Rights Concerns Take a Back Seat?

The rapprochement comes amid renewed criticism of Erdogan's government over arrests of political opponents, restrictions on journalists and crackdowns on civil society, including LGBTQ+ and HIV advocacy organizations.

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson defended Canada's approach before the visit.

"We need to engage with the world as it is, not the way we wish it to be," he said, adding that disagreements would be addressed privately.

For Carney, the partnership fits a broader strategy of diversifying Canada's economic and security relationships beyond the United States.

But critics question whether that strategy is being pursued consistently.

The Question for Ottawa

Canada is moving to deepen defence ties with Erdogan's Turkey despite concerns about political repression, Hamas connections and the previous use of Canadian military technology in regional conflicts.

At the same time, Carney's government has repeatedly criticized Israeli policies and imposed sanctions on certain Israeli individuals.

For Oren and other critics, that contrast is at the heart of the controversy.

Canada's government says it must engage with the world as it is. The question is whether that principle is being applied consistently — including when the country involved is Israel.

Sources: CBC News, Prime Minister's Office, Michael Oren on X, CIJA and Human Rights Watch.