Norway appears poised to advance legislation that would make it illegal to trade with Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.
The proposed legislation would prohibit Norwegian citizens and businesses from importing goods originating in Israeli communities in the territory or exporting goods to them.
It would also prohibit certain real estate purchases, construction and property services, and acquisitions of businesses operating there.
Violators could face fines or up to three years in prison, while negligent violations could carry sentences of up to six months.
The proposal would also allow Norway to prosecute certain conduct committed outside the country even when that activity is legal where it occurred.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told state broadcaster NRK that he expects the measure to advance after a public consultation period ends Sept. 19.
"The arguments have only become stronger because the situation in the West Bank has become even worse," Eide said, World Israel News reported.
Norway's Foreign Ministry formally unveiled the proposal in June, saying Norwegian citizens and companies should not profit from activities the government says help maintain Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The government's proposal confirms that the restrictions would extend beyond imports and exports to property transactions and certain business acquisitions.
Israel's Embassy in Oslo blasted the proposal, calling the effort to criminalize trade the "latest example of the Norwegian foreign minister's obsessive anti-Israel activism on the global stage," The Times of Israel reported.
The proposed restrictions also would cover Jewish neighborhoods in eastern Jerusalem.
Israel formally annexed eastern Jerusalem in 1980 after capturing it during the 1967 Six-Day War. Many Jewish communities there function as fully integrated Jerusalem neighborhoods.
The measure comes amid a broader push by European and other Western governments to restrict trade with Israeli settlements.
Norway joined 11 other countries this month in announcing their intention to impose, support, or consider national restrictions on trade with Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.
Eide acknowledged that Norway's trade with the communities is relatively small, involving products such as wine and agricultural goods.
Norway recognized a Palestinian state in 2024 alongside Ireland and Spain, a decision that angered Israel.
Eide also criticized Israel's response to growing Western criticism, saying the country had become "far too accustomed" to accusing critics of antisemitism and declaring that Israel's political "Teflon coating" was gone.
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