Norway Retaliates as Israel Revokes Diplomatic Accreditation
The Norwegian Foreign Ministry expressed strong condemnation on Thursday following Israel’s cancellation of the accreditation of several diplomats and the cessation of their work in the Palestinian territories.
“This is an extreme act that fundamentally affects our ability to help the Palestinians,” the ministry stated.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed the move was in response to “a series of unilateral and anti-Israeli steps” taken by Norway, including its recognition of a Palestinian state.
Eight Norwegian diplomats based in Tel Aviv had previously dealt with the Palestinian Authority. Their accreditation was revoked within seven days, and their visas were terminated within three months.
“There is a price for anti-Israel behavior,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said. “Norway is pursuing a unilateral policy, and therefore I have ordered the termination of any representation of the Norwegian embassy in Israel toward the Palestinian Authority.”
This escalation comes after Israel canceled an agreement to transfer Palestinian tax funds to Norway in response to its recognition of the Palestinian state. Israel is reportedly attempting to convince Switzerland to take over the transfer of these funds.
The tensions between Israel and other countries in the region have heightened in recent weeks. Concerns have grown over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the killing of key figures in both Hamas and Hezbollah sparking fears of a wider conflict.
Canada also responded to the situation by withdrawing the children of its diplomats from Israel and urging its citizens to avoid travel to the region due to the unpredictable security situation.