Norway vows to respond to Israel’s diplomatic accreditation revocation

The Norwegian authorities intend to respond to Israel's decision to revoke the accreditation of Norwegian embassy staff who have been representing the kingdom's interests with the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide confirmed the development, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"Today, the [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government informed us that it will no longer facilitate the work of Norwegian diplomats in Palestine," the statement said.

The foreign minister highlighted that this action will impede Norway's efforts to assist the Palestinian people and "will have repercussions" for Norway-Israel relations.

"It is vital that diplomatic channels remain effective, particularly given the current seriousness of the regional situation," Eide said.

"We are evaluating possible steps to address the situation instigated by the Netanyahu government," he added.

Earlier, Israeli media reported that eight Norwegian diplomats stationed at the Norwegian Embassy in Israel were effectively serving as representatives of Norway to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has announced that the diplomatic status of these representatives will end in one week, with their visas expiring in three months. Furthermore, Israel has stated it will not grant accreditation to Norwegian diplomats if they are designated to represent Norway to the PNA.