Canada's foreign minister says the Palestinians "made a huge mistake" by pursuing war crimes charges against Israel at the International Criminal Court.

Baird met Monday with Israeli officials as part of his five-day visit to the region. Prior to meeting Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, Baird said the Palestinians crossed a "red line" and that he "communicated that in no uncertain terms" in his meetings with Palestinian leaders.

Canada has been one of only a few Western countries to stand by Israel as it has come under fierce international criticism over deadlocked negotiations with the Palestinians, the recent Gaza war and settlement construction. It has also vocally opposed the Palestinians' attempts to reach statehood without direct negotiations with Israel.

Baird said Canada would not stay silent with Israel under fire.