Norway closes West Bank representation due to diplomatic tensions with Israel
Israel and Norway flags. (Photo via This is Beirut)
Norway announced the closure of its representation office in the West Bank after Israel revoked the diplomatic status of Norwegian diplomats responsible for the Palestinian territories.
This decision follows recent tensions between the two nations, particularly after Norway, along with Spain and Ireland, recognized a Palestinian state in May.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed the revocation on social media platform X on Sunday, stating, “Whoever acts against us, we will act against him. We will continue to maintain the status and national honor of the State of Israel.”
The revocation affects eight Norwegian diplomats who were stationed at the Norwegian embassy in Israel but were assigned to liaise with the Palestinian Authority.
Norway responds to Israel’s actions
In response, the Norwegian government issued a statement declaring the immediate closure of its Representative Office in Al-Ram, located in the West Bank.
The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, condemned Israel’s decision, calling it “extreme and unreasonable.”
He argued the move targets the Palestinians, the Palestinian Authority, and supporters of international law, the two-state solution, and the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
‘We will do our utmost to ensure that this does not affect our work for Palestine and for a viable Palestinian state. Our commitment will continue with full force. We are now working to determine how best to organise our work going forward. We will continue our active work to achieve a sustainable two-state solution, which we believe is in the best interests of the security of both Israelis and Palestinians and for the other countries in the Middle East
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide
The European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States have all criticized the revocation and noted the role Norway has played in the Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
Norway facilitated the secret talks between Israel and the Palestinians that led to the 1993 Oslo Accords and chairs the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which coordinates development assistance to the Palestinians.
