Norwegian politician and political scientist, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Norway has proposed a bill to criminalize trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem after consultations, aligning with broader Western sanctions. The measure targets goods from settlements, including wine and construction materials, amid escalating regional tensions and international criticism.
The narrative centers on a September 8 draft statement seeking to frame UK, France and Canada actions against Israeli settlements as hostile and antisemitic, a document that was never released. Rubio refrained from commenting on the measures as White House and State Department leadership did not back the move. The episode underscores a growing divide within the US political spectrum and a shift in public opinion toward Israel.