Israel informed Norway on Thursday (7) that it is revoking the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian diplomats working at the country’s mission to the Palestinian Authority, in response to Norway’s conduct on the Israeli-Palestinian issue in recent months. The move will result in the cessation of Norwegian diplomatic operations in both Israel and the West Bank.
In addition to its embassy in Tel Aviv, Norway maintains a representative office to the Palestinian Authority operating in the city of Al-Ram, a Palestinian town located between Jerusalem and Ramallah. Norwegian diplomats serving in this mission must receive official accreditation from Israel for their activities.
An official letter sent by the Israeli Foreign Ministry to Norway – released by Foreign Minister Israel Katz – states that in response to the country’s pro-Palestinian stance in recent months, Israel has decided to revoke the accreditation of these diplomats, effectively putting an end to their activities. Foreign Minister Katz said that “there is a price for anti-Israel behavior. Those who attack us and pursue a unilateral policy against us will pay a price.”
Norway’s Foreign Ministry responded on Thursday, saying that “This is an extreme act that primarily affects our ability to help the Palestinian population… Today’s decision will have consequences for our relationship with the Netanyahu government.” Norway announced it was recognizing a Palestinian state about two and a half months ago and recently submitted an opinion to the International Criminal Court in The Hague stating that the Oslo Accords should not limit the court’s activities on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, contrary to Israel’s position.
The Norwegian government transfers a large amount of aid to Palestinians in the West Bank, and the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s decision is likely to make it more difficult to transfer that assistance.
With information from Haaretz
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/08/08/israel-expulsa-diplomatas-noruegueses-e-acende-crise-diplomatica/
