Israel has stripped eight Norwegian diplomats of their diplomatic status, citing Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood and its support for an International Criminal Court (ICC) case against Israeli leaders as the primary reasons for the decision.
According to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, “there is a price for anti-Israel behavior,” and Norway’s actions have crossed a red line. The Norwegian ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem on Thursday, where he was informed that the diplomats would have their accreditation revoked in seven days and their visas annulled in three months.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has condemned the move, characterizing it as an “extreme act” that will primarily affect Norway’s ability to provide assistance to the Palestinian population.
Eide warned that this decision would have “consequences” for Norway’s relationship with the Israeli occupation government , and Norway is currently weighing its response to the situation.
Spain, Ireland and Norway announced their decision to recognise a Palestinian state back in May, drawing a strong rebuke from Israel whose leaders have repeatedly spoken out against Palestinian statehood.
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