Key facts
- Norway plans to ban citizens and companies from trading goods produced in Israeli settlements.
- The proposed legislation also prohibits real estate transactions in settlements.
- Norway recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024.
- The UN has deemed Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories illegal.
Norway's government announced on Friday its intention to ban its citizens and companies from engaging in trade involving goods produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories. This move, widely expected to pass Norway's parliament, also encompasses a prohibition on real estate transactions within these settlements.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Norwegian citizens and companies should not profit from or support activities that sustain Israel's settlement enterprise. The United Nations has repeatedly declared Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories to be illegal. Israel, however, disputes this, citing historical and biblical ties to the West Bank and referencing a 2024 ruling by the UN's highest court.
Norway recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024. The public consultation period for the proposed bill is set to conclude on September 19.