Image Credits - Al Jazeera
In a move that has escalated diplomatic tensions, Israel has revoked the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian diplomats serving in the occupied Palestinian territories. The decision, announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Thursday, comes in response to Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood and its support for an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into alleged war crimes by Israeli leaders.
“There is a price for anti-Israel behaviour,” said Katz to Al Jazeera, highlighting the reasons behind the revocation of the envoys’ accreditation. The diplomats, all based in Tel Aviv, have been given seven days to vacate their positions, with their visas set to be annulled in three months. The Norwegian ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, where the decision was formally communicated.
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide condemned the action as “an extreme act that primarily affects our ability to help the Palestinian population,” said Al Jazeera. He warned that this decision could have serious “consequences” for the diplomatic relationship between Norway and Israel. Eide emphasized the importance of Norway’s humanitarian mission in the region and expressed concern over the potential impact on their efforts to assist the Palestinian people.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement accusing Norway of “one-sided policies and statements” since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, which preceded Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip. The statement also referenced “serious statements by senior Norwegian officials” that were perceived as anti-Israeli.
This diplomatic row follows Norway’s decision, along with Spain and Ireland, to recognize Palestinian statehood in May. Israel reacted strongly to this move, accusing the countries of “rewarding terrorism” and withdrawing its ambassadors from these nations. In a related action, Israel ordered Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem to cease providing consular services to Palestinians as of June 1, a measure Katz described as “punitive” at the time.
The revocation of diplomatic status also ties into the broader context of international legal actions against Israel. In May, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan applied for arrest warrants against top Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. Khan asserted that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant bore “criminal responsibility” for these crimes.
As of now, Norway is still considering its response to Israel’s decision, which marks a significant strain in bilateral relations and complicates international diplomatic efforts in the region.