No amount of political pressure will force the Canadian government into taking a neutral stance regarding Israel's fight against terrorism, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Wednesday in promising Canada's "steadfast support, encouragement and friendship" to the Jewish state.

In his first speech to the Jewish community since being elected, Harper told attendees at a B'nai Brith dinner event that he believes Israel has the right to defend its citizens against terrorists and can always count on Canada's backing.

"When it comes to dealing with a war between Israel and a terrorist organization, this country and this government cannot and will never be neutral," Harper said to a standing ovation.

"Those who seek to destroy the Jews, who seek to destroy Israel, will ... ultimately seek to destroy us all. It is why Canada's new government has reacted with speed and spoken with clarity on the recent events in the Middle East."

Last week, Harper accused the candidates vying for the leadership of the Liberal party of being anti-Israel, specifically pointing to front-runner Michael Ignatieff's statement that Israel had committed a war crime with its attack on Lebanon...