Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced Thursday that Israel is canceling the diplomatic status of Norway's representatives to the Palestinian Authority in response to Oslo's recognition of a Palestinian state and decision to join South Africa in its lawsuit against Israel at the International Criminal Court.
Katz made the government's position unequivocal, warning that "those who attack us and pursue a unilateral policy against us will pay a price." The eight Norwegian diplomats tasked with representing their country's interests vis-à-vis the Palestinian Authority will now have their entry permits revoked within the next seven days. They will be forced to decide whether to remain in Tel Aviv in a bid to mend Israel-Norway relations, or return home.
In summoning the head of the Norwegian Embassy in Israel, the Foreign Ministry delivered a diplomatic note informing Norway of the punitive measures. According to the ministry, the new policy will be implemented immediately, stripping the eight diplomats of their diplomatic status and severing their connection to the PA.
Katz lambasted Norway's actions, stating, "Instead of fighting Palestinian terrorism after Oct. 7 and supporting Israel's fight against the Iranian axis of evil, Norway chose to reward the Hamas murderers and rapists by recognizing a Palestinian state, and not content with that, also joined the absurd lawsuit against us at the ICC."
The minister made it clear that Norway's "unilateral policy on the Palestinians" would no longer be tolerated, ordering the "cessation of any representation whatsoever by the Norwegian Embassy in Israel vis-à-vis the Palestinian Authority." Katz's message was unequivocal: "Those who attack us and pursue a unilateral policy against us will pay a price."
