Norway is considering legislation that would criminalize trade with businesses operating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with intentional violations carrying penalties of up to three years in prison.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said he expects Norway’s parliament, the Stortinget, to vote on and approve the proposal. A public consultation on the legislation is scheduled to end September 19, 2026.
The measure would prohibit Norwegian individuals and companies from importing or exporting goods produced in Israeli settlements, including wine and agricultural products. It would also cover real estate transactions and infrastructure and construction services connected to the areas.
Intentional violations could result in fines or imprisonment for up to three years, while negligent violations would carry a maximum six-month sentence. The legislation would apply to both Norwegian citizens and companies.
The proposal would also waive the usual “double criminality” requirement, allowing Norwegian citizens to face prosecution at home for settlement-related transactions even when the activity is legal under Israeli law.
Eide defended the proposed restrictions in an interview with Norwegian state broadcaster NRK.
“The arguments [in support of the bill] have only become stronger because the situation in the West Bank has become even worse. In addition, so many other countries are now doing the same thing the government has already proposed through this bill,” he said.
Norway also joined Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden in a joint statement expressing intentions to take or support similar measures shortly after a British announcement.
Eide also accused Israel of using allegations of antisemitism to discourage criticism.
“Israel has become far too accustomed to being able to intimidate Western countries by saying they were antisemites if they criticized Israel for abuses and violations of international law. Now the [protective cover] that Israel has in many ways enjoyed is gone,” Eide said.
Israel’s Embassy in Norway condemned the initiative, describing the “proposal to criminalize trade” as the “latest example of the Norwegian foreign minister’s obsessive anti-Israel activism on the global stage.”
Norway’s direct economic activity with Israeli settlements is relatively limited. The proposal follows Norway’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood and similar efforts by other Western countries to restrict settlement commerce.
