During the 2025 NATO summit, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated in a CNN interview that lasting peace in the Middle East requires the establishment of a Palestinian state that recognizes Israel's right to exist and prosper. He described this as a “Zionist Palestinian state,” a phrase that sparked widespread criticism and backlash both online and from Canadian non-governmental organizations. Carney emphasized that the Palestinian state must accept Zionist principles as a prerequisite for recognition. While the wording of Carney's remarks was seen as unusual and confusing by many, some commentators noted that the underlying message aligns with the broader objective of peace in the region through mutual recognition.