Since Operation Protective Edge began in Gaza in early July, Israel has strengthened economic relationships with its closest allies. Within days of the air campaign starting, the U.S. and Israel penned a mutual recognition customs agreement which will lift screening barriers and tariffs. Then on Monday Israel cinched a similar Declaration of Intent from Canada, while focusing on the threat of ISIS, Hamas and Hezbollah.

“We share the same moral values and unfortunately now we can all see that we share the same threat,” said Finance Minister Yair Lapid to his Canadian counterpart Steven Blaney in a Tel Aviv meeting on the Authorized Economic Operator Program, “Israel is faced with Hamas in the south, Hezbollah in the north and now ISIS advancing from the east,” he continued.

“We are dependent on the strength of our military and the strength of our economy to withstand these threats,” said Lapid in the statement released by the finance minister’s media adviser. Lapid’s remarks focused on the future status of the Gaza Strip under deliberation now through multilateral talks where Israel wants a de-militarized Gaza on the agenda. Lapid’s presentation at the announcement of the trade agreement today is a signal he is looking to shore up support. Indeed the bulk of Lapid’s remarks were not on economics, but Gaza:

“We must move to find a solution for Gaza based on a regional framework, through a regional summit which includes all the key partners including Canada. For progress to be made we must ensure that rehabilitation occurs alongside demilitarization. We are strengthened and encouraged by the support of our allies, and in particularly with Canada which stands steadfast by our side”

Since 2010 the Authorized Economic Operator Program has aimed to increase the sale of Israeli goods abroad through accords between custom agencies. In 2013 Canada, Israel and the U.S. signed a work plan to promote, “faster and easier import procedures and inspections upon the arrival of their goods,” said the Israeli Ministry of Finance.