Norway proposed legislation on Israeli settlement trade

Norway is developing legislation to criminalize commercial activity with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The proposed law, currently under public consultation, seeks to prohibit Norwegian citizens and businesses from importing goods from these areas or exporting goods to them. The restrictions also cover real estate transactions, construction, engineering, and investments in businesses operating within these communities.

Under the proposed measures, deliberate violations could result in up to three years of imprisonment, while negligent violations could lead to up to six months of imprisonment or fines. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that the move follows criticisms of Israel regarding international law and aligns with actions taken by other nations, such as Canada, Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom.

Israeli officials have strongly condemned the proposal. Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, described the legislation as “political grandstanding” and “obsessive and openly hostile policy toward Israel,” while the Israeli Foreign Ministry characterized it as “anti-Israel activism.”