In a decisive move, Israel has revoked the diplomatic accreditation of eight Norwegian diplomats based in Tel Aviv who were primarily engaged with the Palestinian Authority. This bold action comes in response to what Israel describes as a series of hostile and unilateral actions taken by the Norwegian government against the Jewish state.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a stern statement condemning Norway's recent recognition of a Palestinian state and severe anti-Israel comments made by senior Norwegian officials. The statement emphasized that these actions represent a significant escalation in Norway's anti-Israel stance.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz's Strong Response
Foreign Minister Israel Katz did not mince words in his response to Norway's actions. "There is a price for anti-Israeli conduct. Instead of fighting Palestinian terrorism after October 7 and supporting Israel’s fight against the Iranian axis of evil, Norway chose to award the murderers and rapists of Hamas by recognizing a Palestinian state," Katz declared. His remarks underscore Israel's frustration with what it sees as Norway's misguided policies.
After Norway recognized a Palestinian state, Israel is kicking out 8 Norwegian diplomats who were working only on Palestinian issues https://t.co/onsHXUSbIb
— Lahav Harkov 🎗️ (@LahavHarkov) August 8, 2024
Katz also highlighted Norway's involvement in an unfounded lawsuit against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Norway conducts a unilateral policy on the Palestinian issue, and therefore I ordered the termination of any representation toward the Palestinian Authority on behalf of the Norwegian embassy in Israel. Those who attack us and conduct a unilateral policy against us will pay a price," he added.
Diplomatic Summoning and Accreditation Revocation
In a dramatic turn of events, the Norwegian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, where he was informed that the diplomats would have their accreditation revoked within seven days and their visas within three months. Israel has given them the option to apply for new accreditation to the embassy in Israel, should they choose to continue their diplomatic missions under revised terms.
BREAKING:
— Current Report (@Currentreport1) August 8, 2024
Israel has withdrawn and canceled several bank deposits in Norwegian accounts after Norway recognized Palestine. pic.twitter.com/EPA1nbrpEJ
Termination of Escrow Arrangement
Adding to the diplomatic fallout, Israel announced that it will terminate the escrow arrangement used to transfer levies collected from the Palestinian Authority for Gaza to Norway's custody. This decision, made by the Cabinet and kept confidential until now, is a direct response to Norway's recognition of an independent Palestinian state and inflammatory remarks by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide against Israel.
Norway's Role in the ICC and Israel's Countermeasures
On Tuesday, Norway submitted a controversial written opinion to the ICC, asserting that there are no impediments to issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Norway further claimed that the Oslo Accords are irrelevant to determining the ICC's jurisdiction, a stance that has infuriated Israeli officials.
In light of these developments, Israel is actively exploring alternatives to Norway's role in the escrow arrangement. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer recently visited Switzerland, engaging in discussions about the potential for Switzerland to assume the escrow responsibilities. While Dermer's office has denied any formal talks with Swiss officials on the matter, the initiative is being pursued vigorously.
JUST IN
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 8, 2024
### Israel Revokes Diplomatic Status of Norwegian Representatives to the Palestinian Authority
Foreign Minister Israel Katz has informed Norway that he is revoking the diplomatic status in Israel of the Norwegian representatives to the Palestinian Authority: "Anyone who… pic.twitter.com/uhaJAYQXPJ
Further Measures Against Norway
The Foreign Ministry is currently drafting additional measures against Norway. Following Oslo's recognition of Palestinian statehood, Israeli Ambassador to Norway Avi Nir was recalled for consultations. Despite the diplomatic tensions, the Israeli embassy in Oslo remains operational, managed by the chargé d'affaires.
Norway, which maintains an ambassador in Israel, is now regarded by Jerusalem as the most hostile European country toward Israel. This latest episode marks a significant deterioration in Israel-Norway relations, highlighting the profound geopolitical implications of Norway's recent actions.
Conclusion
Israel's revocation of diplomatic accreditation for eight Norwegian diplomats is a clear message that it will not tolerate actions perceived as hostile or undermining its sovereignty. The repercussions of Norway's recognition of a Palestinian state and involvement in ICC proceedings against Israeli leaders have led to an unprecedented diplomatic rift, with Israel demonstrating its resolve to defend its interests on the international stage.
