Foreign Minister Israel Katz has rejected a request from his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, for an official visit to Israel. The decision comes in the wake of Oslo's controversial recognition of a Palestinian state and its stance on the Gaza War.
The rejection came after the Norwegian Foreign Ministry's initial attempts to coordinate the visit were met with silence from Israeli counterparts, effectively stalling the process. This lack of response ultimately forced Eide to make a direct appeal to Katz, which was subsequently turned down.
The Norwegian diplomatic overtures, despite the country's apparent hostility toward Israel in the aftermath of the war against the Hamas terror group, began during last week's NATO conference.
At the event, Eide sought out Katz during a reception. Upon locating him, the Norwegian minister approached, stating, "We have many issues to discuss." Witnesses reported that Katz's response was pointed, "There are also many things you have done to us."
This diplomatic cold shoulder from Israel comes against a backdrop of strained relations. Notably, Israel's ambassador to Norway has yet to return to his post after being recalled for consultations, having been recalled due to the recognition. Sources close to the matter indicate there are currently no plans for the ambassador's return.
Oslo recognized a Palestinian state at the end of May, cited as a result of "government policy." This decision, made while seemingly disregarding the Oct. 7 onslaught, triggered a series of punitive measures from the Israeli Foreign Ministry. However, the outright refusal to entertain high-level diplomatic visits appears to be the most severe step taken thus far.
In addition, Norway has yet also condemn Hamas for the massacre in which 1,200 Israelis were killed, mostly civilians. In addition, some 250 hostages were taken hostage. Of those, 120 remain held captive, with 43 dead.
