Norway and 10 other Western countries are preparing to impose sanctions and pass laws criminalizing trade with settlements in Judea and Samaria, according to reports and statements from Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide. Under the proposal currently before the government in Oslo, citizens or companies that trade with businesses in Judea and Samaria could face up to three years in prison.
The Norwegian foreign minister expressed optimism that parliament would approve the law as soon as this coming fall, adding that other lawmakers also face mounting pressure to respond similarly due to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank.
"The arguments have only become stronger because the situation in the West Bank has become even worse. In addition, so many other countries are doing the same thing that the government has already proposed with this bill," he told NRK, Norway's national public broadcaster.
He added that Washington's response to the emerging trend had been surprisingly measured and tolerant, which, in his view, showed that Israel's diplomatic standing and the immunity it once enjoyed have eroded significantly.
The move, meanwhile, has sparked considerable anger in Jerusalem. After Britain announced similar measures, Israel responded harshly and closed the British consulate in Jerusalem.
Despite its public and political significance, the volume of direct trade between Norway and the settlements is fairly limited, consisting mainly of agricultural products, wine and local construction and engineering services. Experts in the field, including a respected peace researcher, note that at this stage, the move is largely symbolic in nature, though one that carries an unambiguous economic message.
