Norway has announced plans to introduce a comprehensive ban on trade and commercial activities linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, marking one of the strongest measures proposed by the country in support of Palestinian rights.
According to a statement issued by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, the government believes Norwegian citizens and businesses should not contribute to sustaining settlements that are considered illegal under international law. Officials said the continued expansion of settlements weakens efforts to achieve a peaceful two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
Under the proposed legislation, Norway intends to prohibit the import and trade of goods produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The proposed restrictions would also extend beyond goods, targeting a wide range of commercial activities connected to the settlements.
The draft law would ban the purchase of property in settlement areas and restrict services related to the construction, renovation, sale, or purchase of real estate there. It would also prevent Norwegian entities from acquiring businesses headquartered or operating within the settlements.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the objective is to end all commercial involvement with settlements that Norway considers illegal. He emphasized that the settlements continue to undermine prospects for a viable Palestinian state and remain a major obstacle to peace.
The government has submitted the proposal for public consultation, which will remain open until September 19 before lawmakers consider further action.
At the same time, Norway stressed that it will maintain trade and cooperation with legitimate Palestinian businesses and continue providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
Norway recognized the State of Palestine in 2024 alongside Ireland and Spain. While Ireland is advocating for a similar European Union-wide ban on trade with Israeli settlements, EU member states have yet to reach a unified position on broader measures against Israel.
The move comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians continue to face attacks by Israeli troops and settlers. International law regards Israeli settlements in territories occupied since 1967 as illegal, a position supported by much of the international community.
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