Norway moves to criminalising trade with Israeli settlements, other Western countries consider similar steps

Norway is moving toward legislation that would criminalise certain commercial dealings with businesses in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, while several other Western countries are considering similar measures, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom.

The newspaper, citing reports and comments by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, said the proposed legislation would apply to Norwegian citizens and companies engaged in trade with businesses operating in Israeli settlements.

Violations could carry penalties of up to three years in prison, according to the report.

Eide expressed optimism that the legislation could be approved by the Norwegian parliament this autumn, amid growing political pressure for measures addressing Israeli settlement activity and developments in the Palestinian territories.

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According to Israel Hayom, Norway is pursuing the initiative alongside 10 other Western countries, although the report did not provide details on the legislative process or proposed measures in each of those states.

Eide also said the US response to the initiative had been “surprisingly mild,” interpreting Washington’s reaction as an indication of changing international attitudes toward Israeli government policies.

Israel’s government has significantly expanded settlement activity in the West Bank since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current coalition took office in late 2022. According to figures cited in the report, the government has approved the establishment or recognition of 104 settlements and the creation of 160 agricultural outposts.

The United Nations considers the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be occupied Palestinian territory and says Israeli settlements there have no legal validity under international law. 

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