Prominent Conservative candidate challenges new Liberal MP Atwin to open debate on Israel

Conservative candidate for Thornhill Melissa Lantsman has challenged new Liberal MP Jenica Atwin to a debate on Israel.

This after Atwin departed from the Greens as the party attempts to find their ground on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that arose last month.

In a statement released onto her social media, Lantsman directly challenges Atwin to "an open debate on the State of Israel, and Canada's relationship with the only democracy in the Middle East."

Lantsman quotes Atwin, who once said "I stand with Palestine and condemn the unthinkable airstrikes in Gaza. End Apartheid!"

Lantsman goes on to say that Atwin's claims are "false and inflammatory."

"We have seen a sharp rise in assault intimidation, and openly belligerent Antisemitism across Canada," says Lantsman.

"Canada's Conservatives strongly condemn the barrage of rocket attacks by Hamas on Israel. Terrorist attacks indiscriminately targeting civilians taking innocent lives must be unequivocally condemned," she continues.

Lantsman says that the debate would have a neutral moderator, with opening and closing statements, and a chance for "vigorous unmoderated exchanges on various aspects of the conflict."

Just hours before Lantsman's challenge to Atwin, the former Green Party member released a statement addressing her comments on the Palestine and Israel situation.

"My words regarding the conflict between Palestinians and Israel were intended to send strength and love to peoples, I believe, are in need of support. Palestinians are suffering. Israelis are also suffering as well as their loved ones in Canada and around the world. No one wins with war. I regret if my choice of words caused harm to those who are suffering."

Publication note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified Lantsman as an MP. The article has been changed to reflect that she is the Conservative candidate for Thornhill.