Norway Faces Condemnation for Proposed Law Targeting West Bank Businesses

Norway has drawn sharp criticism for a proposed law that could criminalize business dealings with Israeli communities in the West Bank. Critics argue the legislation is discriminatory and targets Jewish individuals, with potential penalties including imprisonment and fines.

The proposal, put forth by Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeks to prohibit the importation of goods from Israeli communities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and restrict the exportation of goods to these areas. It would also impose limitations on certain real estate transactions, construction, engineering services, and investments in businesses operating within these communities.

Violations of the proposed law could lead to significant penalties. Intentional breaches may result in fines, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Negligent violations could carry fines, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, according to Section 7 of the consultation document.

The measure is currently under public consultation, with responses due by September 19. It has not yet been enacted.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon condemned the proposal, stating to Fox News Digital, "Norway’s proposal to criminalize trade with Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria is the latest expression of their obsessive and openly hostile policy toward Israel. Instead of contributing to peace or regional stability, Norway has chosen political grandstanding, selective outrage and punitive measures against Israel."

He added, "This approach damages bilateral relations, encourages rejectionism, and exposes just how detached Norwegian policy has become from the realities of the Middle East."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry's Northern Europe Department echoed this sentiment in a statement on X, calling the proposal "the latest example of the Norwegian foreign minister’s obsessive anti-Israel activism on the global stage." The ministry asserted that Norway "has repeatedly chosen to sacrifice its bilateral relationship with Israel in favor of one-sided rhetoric and hostile actions that serve domestic interests, undermine efforts to reach peaceful solutions, and are completely detached from the reality in the Middle East."

Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a June 19 press release announcing the proposed legislation, stated that Israeli settlements violate international law and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide remarked, "By proposing legally binding prohibitions, the government makes it clear that Norwegian citizens and Norwegian companies must not profit from or support activities that help sustain Israel’s unlawful settlement activity in Palestine."

Eide further claimed that the settlements contribute to "displacement, extreme violence and a situation that makes a peaceful solution impossible." The ministry cited United Nations Security Council findings and International Court of Justice advisory opinions as support for its stance on the illegality of settlements.

The proposed restrictions would encompass imports, exports, property purchases, certain property-related services, and acquisitions of businesses headquartered and operating in the settlements. However, the legislation includes exemptions for humanitarian activities and for transactions that the government determines have "sufficient Palestinian ties" and do not contribute to the construction, expansion, or maintenance of Israeli communities.

Dag Juliussen, national director of the Norwegian branch of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, criticized the potential for exemptions to allow business with Palestinian residents while criminalizing similar dealings with Jewish residents. "The bill is based on a fundamentally misguided understanding of the Middle East conflict, which in turn rests on a rewriting of history," Juliussen stated. "In addition, such a law would effectively serve as a reward for terrorism and, at its core, is deeply racist toward Jews."

Juliussen argued that the determining factor for compliance would effectively be the seller's identity, potentially permitting trade with Muslim, Christian, Arab, or Bedouin residents while criminalizing trade with Jewish residents. The consultation document itself does not characterize the proposal as targeting Jews, but rather as a measure to prevent commercial activity supporting settlements beyond the pre-1967 lines.

Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state in 2024 and has increasingly criticized Israel's actions, particularly following the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Juliussen warned that the proposed legislation could deepen divisions rather than foster peace.