Israel Slams Norway's Settlement Trade Ban Bill

Israel's Embassy in Norway has strongly criticized a proposed Norwegian government bill that would ban trade with Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. The legislation, put forth by Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, includes criminal penalties for violations, potentially leading to fines or imprisonment for up to three years.

In a statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar declared, "Norway has repeatedly chosen to sacrifice bilateral relations with Israel in favor of unilateral rhetoric and hostile actions that serve local interests, undermine efforts to achieve peaceful solutions, and are completely detached from the reality in the Middle East." The bill was submitted for public consultation on June 19 and is scheduled to conclude on September 19, with the document not yet finalized.

The proposed ban would prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements into Norway and the export of Norwegian goods to these settlements. It also aims to prevent the purchase of real estate within settlements, certain construction and real estate services, and the acquisition of businesses headquartered or producing goods in settlements. However, the bill specifies certain exceptions for humanitarian activities and operations with a significant connection to the Palestinian side that do not contribute to the establishment, expansion, or maintenance of Israeli settlements.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Norwegian citizens and companies should not profit from activities that support settlements, which his government considers a violation of international law. The initiative is framed as an effort to preserve the viability of a two-state solution. The bill stems from resolutions passed by the Norwegian parliament in June and December 2025, which directed the government to explore restrictions on trade and economic activities related to Israeli settlements.