# CANADA’S RCMP URGED TO ARREST FORMER ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER IN TORONTO Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QF7e8uBcpk Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/2QF7e8uBcpk Generated: 2025-12-03T23:03:54.582+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Canadian International Human Rights lawyer Henry Off confirmed that the Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) filed an urgent request with the RCMP and the Department of Justice to investigate and issue arrest warrants for former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Justice Minister Zippi Livni for their alleged involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 2008-2009 Gaza War, citing evidence from the Goldstone Report and the principle of universal jurisdiction. **Key Points:** - CLAIHR filed an urgent request for the RCMP and Department of Justice to investigate and issue arrest warrants for former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert and former Justice Minister Zippi Livni. - The request concerns alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the 2008-2009 Gaza War, based on a 24-page report detailing specific incidents. - The lawyer, Henry Off, cites the Goldstone Report and the principle of universal jurisdiction as grounds for the requested investigation and potential arrest. - The report details multiple incidents, including the use of white phosphorus and deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian buildings. - Canada has an obligation under Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention to seek out and prosecute alleged war criminals whose presence is known in Canada. - Canada has used this jurisdiction twice previously in criminal cases against individuals suspected of war crimes. - Ehud Olmert cancelled a planned speaking engagement in Brussels in 2017 after the UK issued an arrest warrant against him. ![Screenshot at 00:38: Samira Mohyeddin displays the cover page of the 'Urgent Request to Investigate and Issue Arrest Warrants for Offences under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act' addressed to the RCMP and Department of Justice.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/2QF7e8uBcpk/00-00-38.png) **Context:** The video features an interview between Samira Mohyeddin and Henry Off, a Canadian International Human Rights lawyer at The Hague. The discussion centers on an urgent request filed by Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) urging Canadian authorities to investigate and arrest former Israeli leaders Ehud Olmert and Zippi Livni when they enter Canadian territory, based on allegations of crimes committed during the 2008-2009 Gaza War. ## Detailed Analysis Samira Mohyeddin introduces the emergency interview concerning an urgent request filed by Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) in Toronto. The request urges the RCMP and the Department of Justice to investigate and issue arrest warrants for former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Justice Minister Zippi Livni. The basis for the request is their alleged involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 2008-2009 Gaza War, as detailed in a 24-page report that analyzes incidents like the use of white phosphorus and attacks on civilians, often referred to as the Goldstone Report. Henry Off, the lawyer from The Hague, explains that universal jurisdiction allows states to prosecute such crimes regardless of where they occurred or the nationality of the suspects. He notes that Canada has an obligation under Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention to prosecute individuals suspected of grave breaches found on Canadian soil, citing two previous instances where Canada exercised this right. Off mentions that Olmert had previously cancelled a trip to the UK in 2017 after an arrest warrant was issued there, suggesting that Canada's actions could similarly deter travel. ### Urgent Legal Action - CLAIHR filed an urgent request to the RCMP and Department of Justice in Toronto for arrest warrants against Ehud Olmert and Zippi Livni - Request based on alleged war crimes/crimes against humanity during the 2008-2009 Gaza War - The request is supported by a 24-page document detailing incidents. ### Legal Grounds for Prosecution - Henry Off cites the Goldstone Report and the principle of universal jurisdiction - Universal jurisdiction allows prosecution regardless of where the crime occurred or the suspect/victim nationality - Canada has an obligation under Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention to prosecute grave breaches. ### Precedent and Motivation - Canada has previously prosecuted individuals under these laws twice - The action emphasizes avoiding impunity and holding leaders accountable for alleged crimes like torture and use of white phosphorus in civilian areas - Olmert previously canceled a UK trip due to an arrest warrant, showing potential deterrent effect. ![Screenshot at 00:03: Samira Mohyeddin introduces the subject matter, noting she is not in her usual studio for this emergency interview.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/2QF7e8uBcpk/00-00-03.png) ![Screenshot at 00:38: The document detailing the 'Urgent Request to Investigate and Issue Arrest Warrants' is displayed on screen.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/2QF7e8uBcpk/00-00-38.png) ![Screenshot at 01:14: The interview transitions to a split screen, introducing Samira Mohyeddin and Henry Off, Canadian International Human Rights lawyer at The Hague.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/2QF7e8uBcpk/00-01-14.png) ![Screenshot at 02:21: Henry Off quotes the legal basis: 'The Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights... have filed a complaint... to investigate and issue arrest warrants for their involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity.'](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/2QF7e8uBcpk/00-02-21.png) ![Screenshot at 05:58: Henry Off notes that Canada has used this jurisdiction twice previously in criminal cases against individuals.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/2QF7e8uBcpk/00-05-58.png)