Norway Proposes Jail Time for Trade With Israeli Settlements

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide is pushing for a new law that could impose up to three years in prison for individuals and companies trading with Israeli settlements. The proposed legislation, expected to be reviewed by the Norwegian parliament (Storting) soon, also covers East Jerusalem, which Israel considers part of its capital. This move follows an announcement by 12 Western countries of their intent to impose sanctions on settlement products.

Eide, described as one of Europe's most hostile foreign ministers towards Israel, stated in an interview with NRK that the law aims to impose real prison sentences for business dealings with Israeli settlements. He acknowledged that the trade volume, primarily in wine and agricultural products, is small and the measure is largely symbolic. Eide also noted a shift in U.S. policy, suggesting that Washington's previous support for Israel against international pressure has become more restrained.

The Norwegian minister believes that Israel's past ability to deflect international criticism by labeling it as antisemitism, a "Teflon barrier," is weakening. Hon Alpeleg, an Israeli living in Norway, criticized the proposal, stating it aims to criminalize every Jew and that anyone buying wine from settlements risks jail. He referred to Eide as having recently received the title "Antisemite of the Year."

Last week, the United Kingdom announced sanctions on imports from settlements. Eleven other countries, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, have declared they will adopt similar measures.