Criticism of Israel for withdrawing status of Norwegian diplomats

Israel has withdrawn the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian representatives responsible for Norway's relations with the Palestinian Territories, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem announced on Thursday.

The ministry said that Foreign Minister Israel Katz had informed Norway that he was cancelling the diplomatic status of Norwegian representatives based in Israel who dealt with the territories.

In May, Norway, Spain and Ireland decided to recognize a Palestinian state, something that Israel is strongly opposed to.

"Whoever attacks us and pursues a unilateral policy against us will pay the price," Katz said.

"Instead of fighting against Palestinian terror after October 7 and supporting Israel, which is fighting against the Iranian axis of evil, Norway has chosen to give the murderers and rapists of Hamas a prize in the form of recognition of a Palestinian state," Katz continued.

The diplomatic status of the representatives is to be withdrawn within seven days of the notification.

Norway calls Israeli move 'extreme'

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called Israel's move an "extreme act." According to a statement from his ministry, Eide said that "Norway is a friend of Israel and always will be."

Nevertheless, Norway continues to criticize the occupation, the way in which the war in the Gaza Strip is being waged, and the suffering that the war has caused the Palestinian civilian population, he added.

Norwegian-Israeli relations to change

Eide, at a press conference on Thursday, said he had summoned Israel's diplomatic representative in Oslo to the Foreign Ministry.

Earlier he said Israel's decision will have consequences for Norway's relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government but he did not elaborate

European Union backs Norway

The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, sharply criticized Israel's actions as contrary to the Oslo Accords, which were supposed to help resolve the Middle East conflict. The agreement, reached after secret talks in the Norwegian capital, was concluded in 1993.

Although Norway is not an EU member, Borrell said in a statement, "This is not a bilateral question between Israel and Norway, but one of interest for all those working for peace and stability in the Middle East."

He has instructed the head of the EU's delegation in Tel Aviv to convey the bloc's position to the Israeli government.

Palestinian official asks for support

Top Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh warned on X that the Israeli decision could have dangerous repercussions.

"The countries of the world, especially the European countries, must respond to this measure in the same way, as it constitutes a violation and breach of international norms and laws," al-Sheikh said.