Israel revokes diplomatic status of Norwegian envoys
Israeli PM Netanyahu with Norwegian former Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen. (Photo via GPO by Kobi Gideon)
Israel has revoked the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian diplomats serving in the occupied Palestinian territories, citing Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood and its support for an International Criminal Court (ICC) case implicating Israeli leaders in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“There is a price for anti-Israel behavior,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Thursday.
The Norwegian ambassador was summoned to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, where he was informed that the diplomats, all based in Tel Aviv, would have their accreditation revoked in seven days and their visas annulled in three months.
Norwegian response
“This is an extreme act that primarily affects our ability to help the Palestinian population,” stated Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
He warned that the decision would have “consequences” for Norway’s relationship with the Israeli government. Norway is still considering its response to the situation.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday citing “serious statements by senior Norwegian officials” viewed as anti-Israeli.
The ministry accused Norway of “one-sided policies and statements” since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack in southern Israel that preceded Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Background, ICC Implications
Spain, Ireland and Norway announced their decision to recognise a Palestinian state back in May, drawing strong rebuke from Israel. Israeli leaders have repeatedly spoken out against Palestinian statehood, accusing the three countries of “rewarding terrorism.”
In response, Israel withdrew its ambassadors to Ireland, Norway, and Spain and ordered Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem to stop offering consular services to Palestinians from June 1.
In May, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan applied for arrest warrants against top Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes.
Khan announced that his office had “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant bore “criminal responsibility” for “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
