Dim Amor
This move marks the peak of growing tensions between the two countries following Norway's positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared on the social network X on August 8:
"Today I ordered the revocation of diplomatic status for 8 Norwegian diplomats in Israel who were involved in Palestinian Authority affairs.
Instead of fighting Palestinian terrorism after October 7 and supporting Israel in its war against the Iranian axis of evil, Norway chose to reward Hamas murderers and rapists by recognizing a Palestinian state. But they didn't stop there – they also joined the baseless lawsuit against us at the International Criminal Court, requesting arrest warrants for the Prime Minister and Defense Minister.
Norway has adopted a unilateral policy on the Palestinian issue and therefore will be excluded from any involvement in it.
Those who attack us and adopt unilateral policies against us will pay a price."
Katz accused Norway of choosing to "reward Hamas murderers and rapists by recognizing a Palestinian state" instead of supporting Israel in its fight against terrorism.
In response, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed his strong protest against the Israeli move.
In a press statement, Eide said:
"This is an extreme step that primarily affects our ability to assist the Palestinian population. It once again shows that the Netanyahu government is actively working against the two-state solution.
Norway is and always will be a friend of Israel and the Israeli people. At the same time, Norway has been clear in its criticism of the occupation, the way the war in Gaza has been conducted, and the suffering caused to the Palestinian civilian population. Today's decision will have implications for our relations with the Netanyahu government.
We are now considering what steps Norway will take to respond to the situation that the Netanyahu government has now created.
It is important for all countries that diplomatic channels remain open and well-functioning, especially when the situation in the region is as serious as it is now. Interfering with diplomats in their work is a serious matter.
Regardless of this decision, Norway's main priority is to work for peace and a diplomatic solution to conflicts in the Middle East."
The Israeli Foreign Ministry expanded on its position in an official statement on August 11, claiming that "the Norwegian government's policy towards Israel, since the brutal attacks by Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, the Houthis and others against Israel, is extreme, one-sided and anti-Israeli." The ministry emphasized that Norway "has lost Israel's trust and its special role since the Oslo Accords."
The current crisis comes against the backdrop of a series of disputes between the two countries. Israel accuses Norway of supporting legal proceedings against it at the International Criminal Court (ICC), recognizing a Palestinian state, and refusing to declare Hamas a terrorist organization. On the other hand, Norway claims it is acting in accordance with the principles of international law and for the promotion of a two-state solution.
The crisis could adversely affect peace efforts in the region. Norway played a key role in the Oslo process and in later mediation efforts. Its removal from the scene could reduce opportunities for dialogue between the parties.
However, Israel is signaling to the international community that it will not accept unilateral intervention in the conflict. This may encourage other countries to adopt a more balanced approach.
