Montreal council to vote on motion calling for suspension of ties with Israel

Montreal's city council is set to consider a motion that would suspend the city's institutional ties with the Israeli government. The motion, proposed by the opposition party Projet Montréal, calls for the city to recognize and denounce what it calls an apartheid regime in Palestine and the genocide taking place there, as well as to show solidarity with Palestinians and other victims of the conflict.

The motion also requests the city to cut off ties with the current Israeli government, its institutions, and municipalities. Proponents of the motion include Montreal Anti-Apartheid, a campaign that emerged during the city's 2025 municipal election, though their demands are less severe than the co-founders' broader calls for divestment from Israeli entities, boycotting Israeli representatives, and supporting Palestinian refugees.

Critics, such as the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, argue that the proposal could exacerbate divisions in the city and advocate that municipal leaders should focus on more pressing local concerns, such as housing, homelessness, infrastructure, and public safety. Despite the controversy, the motion has garnered the support of over 700 Quebec artists, cultural workers, and organizations, who signed an appeal urging city councillors to vote in favor.