Canadian Involvement in Palestinian Authority Training Raises Eyebrows  

In a development that has sparked debate over international military cooperation in the Middle East, the Palestinian Authority's General Military Training Commission (GMTC) in Jericho has released photographs from a recent training session involving international delegations, including what appears to be a Canadian soldier.

The GMTC, the PA's primary body for training security forces, posted the photos showcasing exercises at their Jericho facility. One prominent image depicts a soldier in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) camouflage, identifiable by the CADPAT pattern and a Canadian flag patch, instructing PA personnel during a live-fire drill. Other photos show group formations, aerial views of tactical maneuvers, and nighttime marches, all under the banner of the "State of Palestine."

The session, described as involving "international delegations," aligns with longstanding programs aimed at professionalizing the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF).This is not a novel initiative. Canada's Operation Proteus, established in 2005, deploys around 20-30 CAF personnel to assist the U.S.-led Office of the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) in Jerusalem. Their mandate includes advising on training, logistics, and coordination to help the PA maintain order in Judea and Samaria.

Proponents argue this fosters a two-state solution by enabling the PA to counter threats like terror groups, including Hamas cells, and uphold security commitments under the Oslo Accords.

However, the release of these images has reignited criticism. Pro-Israel commentators, such as those on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), have questioned the endgame: "Who exactly are these forces being trained to fight? Because this is not counterterrorism against Hamas. This is a PA military unit," noted one post from @MOSSADil, echoing concerns that enhanced PA capabilities could pose risks to Israel in future conflicts.

Similar sentiments have been voiced by accounts like @DocumentIsrael, which first highlighted the photos.

This comes amid broader scrutiny of Canadian-Israeli military ties, including recent reports of CAF officers attending IDF seminars on Gaza operations in November 2025.

The PA has not issued an official statement on the specific training, but the GMTC's activities are routine, with recent events including a lecture by Minister Ahmed Assaf to senior officers on December 8, 2025.

Canadian officials have yet to comment on the images, though the Department of National Defence has previously affirmed that Operation Proteus focuses on peace-building and counterterrorism, not anti-Israel activities.