Canadian lawyers acting on behalf of a Palestinian man sued two Montreal companies and their director for violation of international laws pertaining to the transfer of civilian populations into Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
Court documents filed in the Superior Court of the District of Montreal claim two firms acting on behalf of the Israeli government, Green Park International and Green Mount International, “on their own behalf and as de facto agents of the State of Israel, are … aiding, abetting and assisting and conspiring with the State of Israel in carrying out an illegal purpose,” The Canadian Jewish News reported.
Toronto lawyer Mark Arnold said the companies, acting as representatives of the Israeli government, violated Geneva Convention articles that prohibit the transfer of foreign civilians in occupied territories. Arnold says that since Canadian law includes the Geneva Conventions in its domestic laws, Green Park and Green Mount are liable for the violations.
Analysts claim, however, the case faces legal hurdles from the fact a Canadian citizen cannot sue a foreign government or its affiliates. Also of consideration is the notion Israeli citizens residing in settlements in Palestine do not directly affect Canada.
Arnold disagrees, saying the firms are Canadian and subject to domestic laws pertaining to the Geneva Conventions.
“In this case, the wrongdoer is Canadian, subject to (Canadian law),” he said.
