Israel rejection of Norwegian diplomats in Palestinian areas is extreme, Norway says

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has criticised the Israeli government for revoking the diplomatic status of eight diplomats dealing with the Palestinian Authority (PA), labelled it an “extreme action”, Anadolu reported.

“This is an extreme act that primarily affects our ability to help the Palestinian population … Today’s decision will have consequences for our relationship with the Netanyahu government,” Eide said.

Oslo, he added, “is and will always be a friend of Israel and the Israeli people,” however, at the same time, Norway has been clear in its criticism of the occupation, how the war in the Gaza Strip has been conducted and the suffering it has caused Palestinians.

Read: Palestine condemns Israel decision to revoke accreditation of Norwegian diplomats

“Today’s decision will have consequences for our relationship with the Netanyahu government. We are now considering what measures Norway will take to respond to the situation that the Netanyahu government has now created.”

Regardless of the decision, Eide said, Norway’s priority is to work for peace and a diplomatic solution to conflicts in the Middle East.​​​​​​​

Earlier yesterday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz revealed that the Israeli government will not permit eight Norwegian diplomats at the embassy to continue their roles as representatives of Norway to the State of Palestine.

The Israeli government also announced that it will stop transferring the tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority to Norway as a “punishment” for Oslo’s unilateral recognition of the Palestinian state as well as its anti-Gaza war position.

Israel’s Ynet news site said the Israeli government considers the decision a “punitive measure” against Norway. It added that Israel is discussing, through the United States, an agreement with a third country to replace Norway. There were reports that Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer, has visited Switzerland to hold talks on the subject, but his office denied this.

READ: Israel stops transfer of PA tax revenues to Norway over Palestine recognition