Canadian Prime Minister Harper addressing the Knesset. Photo: Screenshot.

JNS.org – Canada’s current Prime Minister Stephen Harper, known for his support of Israel, has been voted out of office in the country’s election on Monday. Harper’s replacement will be Justin Trudeau of the Liberal party, which won 185 seats — a sufficient number to form a majority government.

Harper and his conservative government have frequently expressed their support for Israel, including by signing a “memorandum of understanding” with Israeli authorities committed to fighting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement earlier this year. Harper has also called Israel “the one stable, democratic ally in this part of the world,” and said that the Jewish state is also “a priority (trade) market for Canada.”

“Canadians have chosen a Liberal government, a result that we accept without hesitation. I spoke with Mr. Trudeau and gave my blessing to him and the blessing of all of us to his successful campaign,” said Harper in his concession speech.