Canada and UK Recognize Palestinian Statehood

This week, our planned interview fell through. But given the sizeable shift in foreign policy from Canada and the UK this week, it odd not covering this in our usual issues scan. So, we turned the mics back on and recorded this episode.

For context, in recent days, Canada, the UK, Australia, Portugal, France, and others formally recognized the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly. It’s a historic development—one that represents a dramatic shift in tone and policy, particularly for countries like Canada.

For us Percy and I, it also represents a red line.

This episode is not business-as-usual. We don’t come with jokes or beer reviews. We engage in a direct, difficult, and heartfelt discussion on what this diplomatic recognition means—for the peace process, for Israel’s place in the world, and for Jewish communities watching these developments unfold with deep concern.

What we talk about:

• The sharp contrast between past and present Canadian policy on the Middle East
• Why recognizing Palestine now—without negotiations, conditions, or hostages released—feels like a reward for October 7th
• The legacy of the Oslo Accords and what’s been lost since
• Legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people—and the failure of their own leadership to deliver peace
• Criticisms of the Netanyahu government, both domestic and international
• The rise in antisemitism in Canada, the UK, and beyond
• Why diplomatic isolation may hurt Israel long-term—and embolden its enemies
• The risk of performative politics overtaking substantive peacebuilding

“If you’re being praised by those who took hostages, you might want to rethink your foreign policy.”

-Andrew Percy

We understand this is a deeply emotional and often polarizing topic. We do our best in this conversation to engage it honestly, with respect for the gravity of the moment and an openness to different views.

We’ll return to this issue in a future episode—with expert voices to provide further perspective.

—Joseph

00:00 Welcome and episode context — Last-minute guest cancellation
00:53 The recognition announcement — Canada joins UK, France, Australia and others
01:39 John Baird's shoulder-to-shoulder support versus Carney's sharp criticism
03:33 Andrew's reaction — Crossing the red line on the peace process
06:28 Rewarding October 7th — Why give up negotiating leverage?
08:21 Infantilizing Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority's failures
10:44 The alternative view — Former Shin Bet chief says this is Hamas's nightmare
14:01 The anti-Zionism campaign and the real goal of delegitimization
16:06 The rise in anti-Semitism and extremism on Western streets
17:40 Netanyahu's choices — Military success versus diplomatic isolation
20:07 Israel's greatest military success story since October 7th
23:43 Why recognition won't help the peace process or the politicians who did it
24:30 Canada offside with the US — Trade implications and diplomatic coordination
26:09 The Abraham Accords model and the hope for regional peace
27:54 Student politics and silly gestures — Jerusalem, Palestine address changes
28:53 Maybe we're wrong — The hope for a masterstroke and future expert interviews