Media: Norwegian PM's planned visit to Israel declared undesirable

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had planned a visit to Israel for diplomatic talks, but was denied entry to the country for political reasons, according to Dagens Næringsliv, citing sources.

The publication reports that the refusal was communicated last month, with Israeli authorities describing the visit as either inappropriate or unwelcome.

Dagens Næringsliv notes that tensions in Israel-Norway relations increased following the escalation in the Middle East caused by Palestinian Hamas militants crossing into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

Possible factors behind the decision include Norway’s support for the International Criminal Court’s ruling to arrest Netanyahu should he visit the country, Oslo’s recognition of Palestinian independence, and the Norwegian Government Pension Fund’s divestment from several Israeli companies.

By Tamilla Hasanova