Norway Moves Toward Banning Trade with Israeli Settlements
Edited By: Africa Eye
The Norwegian government announced on Friday that it intends to prohibit trade involving goods produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories, marking a significant step in Oslo’s long-standing opposition to settlement expansion and its support for a two-state solution.
Under the proposed legislation, Norwegian citizens and companies would be barred from importing or exporting goods linked to Israeli settlements, as well as from engaging in real estate transactions connected to settlement activities. Public consultations on the draft law will remain open until September 19.
In a statement, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said that individuals and businesses in Norway should not benefit from or contribute to activities that support the continuation of what Oslo considers illegal Israeli settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.
According to Reuters, the proposal is expected to receive parliamentary approval, transforming Norway’s political and legal stance on settlements into a direct trade ban affecting both companies and private individuals. Previously, the government had merely advised Norwegian businesses to avoid commercial activities that could help sustain Israel’s presence in the occupied territories.
Support for International Law
Norway formally recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024, alongside Ireland and Spain, arguing that recognition would strengthen efforts toward a negotiated two-state solution. At the same time, Oslo reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining relations with Israel and acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense within the framework of international law.
The latest move follows an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July 2024, which concluded that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and called for its termination. The opinion also addressed settlement policies, territorial annexation, and demographic changes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The United Nations has consistently maintained that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. In addition, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted in 2016, stated that settlements established in territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law.
Diverging Positions
Israel rejects these interpretations, arguing that its claims to the West Bank are rooted in historical and religious ties. The Israeli government has also dismissed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.
Norway, along with several European countries, argues that continued settlement expansion undermines the prospects for a viable Palestinian state and weakens the chances of achieving a lasting political settlement.
Over the past two years, Oslo has also adopted a tougher stance toward Israeli settlers accused of involvement in violence in the West Bank. Norway has joined European measures targeting individuals and organizations linked to such activities, arguing that settlement expansion and settler violence pose a direct threat to the viability of a two-state solution.
