Israel canceled diplomatic status of Norway diplomats in Palestinian Areas

Israel canceled the diplomatic status of eight diplomats of Norway to Palestinian areas due to their alleged anti-Israel behavior. It came after eight Norwegian diplomats worked as representatives to the Palestinian territory.

This move of Israel emerged in response to Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. Moreover, Norway supports an International Criminal Court (ICC) case that involves Israeli leaders in alleged war crimes and inhumane crimes in Gaza.

Hence, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated all these acts of Norway as “anti-Israel” behavior. He emphasized there is a price for this behavior.

Today, I ordered the revocation of diplomatic status for 8 Norwegian diplomats in Israel who were dealing with Palestinian Authority affairs.

Instead of fighting Palestinian terrorism after October 7th and supporting Israel in its war against the Iranian axis of evil, Norway… pic.twitter.com/ncJGwpqQpY
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) August 8, 2024

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem called the Norwegian ambassador and told all Norwegian diplomats are located in Tel Aviv. They will have their diplomatic status removed in seven days and their visas will be canceled in three months.

However, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide warned this Israeli move will have consequences for their bilateral relationship.

He also stated this is an extreme act that primarily affects their ability to help the Palestinian population. Norway is still considering how to react to the circumstances.

Norway has submitted an amicus brief in support of ⁦#ICC⁩ jurisdiction in Palestine.

The Oslo Accords are not relevant for the determination of ICC’s jurisdiction, and, regardless, the Oslo Accords do not limit the ICC’s jurisdiction in Palestine. https://t.co/wzGBuRz1wq
— Espen Barth Eide (@EspenBarthEide) August 6, 2024

Meanwhile, the United States claimed that the move under which Israel canceled the diplomatic status of Norway was “ineffective.” It undermined attempts to promote collaboration between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The chief diplomat for the European Union (EU) Joseph Borrell also condemned this action of Israel. He pledged his “complete solidarity” with Norway.

I strongly condemn the decision by the Israeli Government to revoke the diplomatic status for Norwegian diplomats dealing with the PA.

This is of interest for all working for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Full solidarity to Norway.https://t.co/o4bnssFN7q
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 8, 2024

Click here to read the updates on Norway, Ireland, and Spain recognizing Palestine officially next week

State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller remarked on this. He said Norway has a long history of playing a productive role when it comes to engaging the Israeli government with the Palestinian Authority. He stated they don’t believe it’s especially beneficial to take action to stop them from fulfilling that job.

Mathew stated they don’t believe it’s especially beneficial to take action to stop them from fulfilling that job. However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry also accused the Norwegian diplomats of one-sided policies and statements since Oct 7, 2023, in its official letter to the Norway embassy.

It is significant to note that Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their decision to recognize the status of Palestine as an Independent state in May 2023.