Israel declined Norway PM's visit over Gaza war criticism, Palestinian statehood support

Israel has rejected a request by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to visit the country last month, citing "political reasons".

The move has further strained diplomatic relations, tested by Israel's brutal war on Gaza and Oslo's recognition of Palestinian statehood in May.

Store confirmed the reports, first published by Norway’s Dagens Næringsliv, as he detailed that Israeli officials informed Oslo that the visit would be unwelcome.  

Store told Dagens Næringsliv he had been advised that "this is not the time" to arrange such a trip. 

He further explained that the idea for the visit emerged during his attendance at US President Donald Trump’s 'peace summit' in Sharm el-Sheikh last month.  

The planned trip would also have included meetings with Palestinian Authority officials in the occupied West Bank, as well as a stop in Jordan. 

Store stressed that Israel’s refusal was likely prompted by Norway’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza since the outbreak of the genocidal war on 7 October 2023.  

This has included backing for International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israeli leaders - including Netanyahu - and Norway's sovereign wealth fund divesting from Israeli firms.

"Yes, I think that parts of the Israeli government react in this way towards countries that have expressed opposition to the Gaza warfare and have recognised the Palestinian state," Store told Dagens Næringsliv. 

Israeli officials have since told Ynet News that "there’s no reason to approve a visit by Norway’s prime minister in light of Norway’s conduct since October 7".

The official added: "Still, in the long run, they’ll have a role ‘the day after’. Not because we want them to, but because the Americans won’t ask us, and they’ll want Norwegian funding."

Norway’s formal recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state last year, alongside Ireland and Spain, marked a significant diplomatic shift amid Israel’s devastating assault on the Palestinian territory.

Last week, Store attended an event organised by the Centre Against Racism to commemorate the 87th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom targeting German Jews.  

The candlelit vigil was co-organised by the Palestine Committee of Norway and the local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, drawing criticism from pro-Israel groups.