Norway Moves to Criminalize Trade With Israeli Settlements, Up to 3 Years in Prison

Norway is preparing legislation that would ban trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with intentional violations potentially carrying prison sentences of up to three years.

OSLO — Norway is moving ahead with legislation that would prohibit trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with violations potentially punishable by up to three years in prison.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said he expects the proposed legislation to pass Parliament in its current form, as the government faces a September 19 deadline for public consultation on the bill.

Asked by Norwegian broadcaster NRK whether Parliament would approve the legislation this fall, Eide replied, “Yes, I actually think so.” He said the case for the measure had grown stronger as conditions in the West Bank have deteriorated.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. (Photo: Anadolu Agency)

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally opened a consultation on the proposed law in June. The draft would prohibit the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory and the export of goods to those settlements. It would also restrict certain property purchases and professional services directly connected to the construction, purchase or sale of real estate in the settlements.

Eide said Norway’s policy is intended to prevent Norwegian individuals and companies from contributing to economic activity linked to the settlements.

“The Israeli settlements in Palestine are in breach of international law,” Eide said when the bill was introduced. “We intend to prohibit trade with the unlawful settlements.”

The minister also pointed to a broader shift among Western governments. In a joint statement issued September 8, Norway and 11 other countries — including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Canada — said they intended to introduce or support national or European restrictions on trade in goods from settlements that they consider illegal under international law.

Eide has argued that the growing number of governments considering similar measures changes the diplomatic environment surrounding Israel.

“The arguments have only become stronger because the situation in the West Bank has become even worse,” Eide said, according to reporting by Middle East Monitor. He added that several European countries were taking similar steps.

Norway’s proposed legislation is still not law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the consultation period runs through September 19, after which the proposal would proceed through Norway’s legislative process.

The move comes as the Netherlands has already adopted a separate measure restricting trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements. Beginning September 22, 2026, the Dutch rules prohibit the import, purchase and sale of such goods, as well as intermediary services that facilitate the trade. Intentional violations can be treated as economic offenses carrying penalties of up to six years in prison, according to Dutch regulations and reporting on the measure.

The Norwegian proposal represents a significant shift from Oslo’s earlier approach. In 2024, Norway had advised Norwegian companies against business cooperation and trade that contributed to maintaining Israeli settlements rather than imposing a statutory trade ban.

The issue remains politically and diplomatically contentious. Israeli officials and supporters of the settlements have criticized European restrictions, while Norway and other governments argue that the measures are intended to comply with their interpretation of international law and avoid economic support for settlement activity.

For now, the Norwegian proposal remains under consideration. If Parliament adopts it, companies and individuals involved in prohibited transactions could face criminal penalties, including a potential prison sentence of up to three years.

BEC