After Israel expels Norwegian diplomats, Norway mulls dialogue in hope of improving relations
Israel withdrew the accreditation of eight Norwegian diplomats working at Norway’s mission to the Palestinian Authority on Thursday (9 August), in response to which Norway is preparing countermeasures but still hoping to heal relations.
Norway, Ireland and Spain recognised Palestine as a state on 22 May, prompting Israel to immediately recall its ambassadors to the three European countries.
Israel’s decision on Thursday to withdraw the accreditation only targets Norway, as relations between the two countries have gradually soured.
“Instead of fighting Palestinian terrorism after October 7th and supporting Israel in its war against the Iranian axis of evil, Norway chose to reward Hamas murderers and rapists by recognising a Palestinian state,” Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote on X as he presented the country’s decision against Norwegian diplomats.
“Those who attack us and pursue a one-sided policy against us will pay a price” Katz added.
“This is an extreme action that, first and foremost, affects our ability to help the Palestinian population. It shows once again that the Netanyahu government is actively working against a two-state solution,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in response to Israel’s announcement on Thursday.
“We are now considering what measures Norway will take to respond” he continued.
However, when asked if Norway would similarly withdraw the status of Israeli diplomats, Eide replied that the country had “no such plans at the moment” and that such a measure “goes against his instincts” as dialogue “is most needed when there is disagreement.”
Norway receives EU and US backing
Norway was backed by the EU in a statement by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell.
“I strongly condemn (Israel’s) unwarranted decision,” Borrell said on Thursday, adding that “this is not a bilateral question between Israel and Norway, but one of interest for all those working for peace and stability in the Middle East.”
“Norway has played a major role in the Middle East Peace Process and in support of the Palestinian population,” he added.
Borrell’s words were echoed by US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who said Norway has “long played an important role, and we think it’s important that they continue to be able to play that role” but stopped short of calling on Israel to reverse its decision.
Norway and the peace process
Norway has long been committed to peace in the Middle East region and has chaired the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the international donor group for Palestine, since the Oslo peace process began 30 years ago.
Regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, Norway has been one of the first countries to call for a ceasefire, and besides ensuring that around €100 million was transferred from Israel to the Palestinian Authority, it advised against business activity with Israeli settlements.
Norway has also played an active role in the Israel-Palestine work of the International Court of Justice, pushing for peace talks and increased aid to Gaza.
Mencer said that he “doesn’t think (Norway) have condemned Hamas” in the aftermath of the 7 October attack, despite Eide’s reiteration of Norway’s strong condemnation.
In the face of all of this, Eide still hopes to heal the relationship.
“Norway is and will always be a friend of Israel and the Israeli people”, he said, adding, however, that “Norway’s main priority is to work for peace and a diplomatic solution to the conflicts in the Middle East.”
Asked what specific countermeasures the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was considering, the ministry said in an email to Euractiv that it had no further comment on Thursday’s statements at this time.
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