Norway Proposes Criminal Penalties for Trade With Israeli Settlements

Norway is advancing legislation that would impose criminal penalties, including up to three years in prison, on individuals and companies trading with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, described as one of Europe's most hostile foreign ministers towards Israel, stated in an interview with NRK that the parliament is expected to approve the law this fall. The proposed legislation, spearheaded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also encompasses East Jerusalem, which Israel considers its capital.

Eide acknowledged that the actual volume of trade between Norway and the settlements, primarily consisting of wine and agricultural products, is not extensive. He emphasized that the move is largely symbolic and political, aimed at making the occupation less profitable. The proposed law also covers construction and infrastructure services within the settlements. The public comment period for the proposal ends on September 19.

Jørgen Jensehaugen, a senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), characterized the proposed sanctions as minimal, focusing on produce and excluding broader economic measures. He suggested that extending sanctions to all companies operating in settlements could have a more significant impact, but current proposals represent the "minimum." Eide also noted a shift in U.S. policy, observing that while the Trump administration did not adopt similar measures, it expressed "understanding for the underlying problems" reflected in the British initiative, a message he believes carries considerable weight for Israel.

Eide further commented that Israel's past ability to deflect international criticism by invoking accusations of antisemitism is diminishing. Jensehaugen linked the international actions to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank and Gaza, stressing the importance of ensuring the occupation is not economically viable. The article also references remarks by former Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, advocating for independent action by medium-sized nations given U.S. unpredictability.

Responding to questions about a new world order, Eide stated that if major powers fail to uphold international law and human rights, other nations must step in. Onn Elpeleg, an Israeli living in Norway who monitors antisemitic rhetoric, criticized the proposed prison sentences, calling them unprecedented and suggesting Eide has "lost a screw." He argued that the law would effectively criminalize any Jew purchasing wine or services from settlements. This follows the UK's recent announcement of similar legislation, with 11 other countries, including Canada, Denmark, France, and Spain, also planning comparable measures.