Israel Revokes Accreditation of Norwegian Diplomats in Response to Palestine Recognition

Israel has revoked the accreditation of Norwegian diplomats working with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, the Anadolu Agency reports.

The Foreign Ministry cited a series of “anti-Israeli and unilateral steps” by the Norwegian government, including its recognition of Palestine as a state last May, as the reason for the action.

The Norwegian ambassador was summoned and informed that the diplomats’ accreditation would be revoked in seven days and their visas within three months.

This move follows a pattern of Israeli retaliation against countries recognizing Palestine. Israel has previously condemned similar actions by Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Armenia.

The Israeli government strongly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Last month, the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) rejected the creation of a Palestinian state, calling it an “existential threat.”

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has condemned Israel’s move, Reuters reports.

“This is an extreme act that primarily affects our ability to help the Palestinian population … Today’s decision will have consequences for our relationship with the Netanyahu government,” he said.

Furthermore, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark opinion on July 19 declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land “illegal” and calling for the removal of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This ruling has further strained relations between Israel and the international community.

The situation remains tense as tensions continue to escalate between Israel and the Palestinians.