Norway moves to criminalising trade with Israeli settlements, other Western countries consider similar steps

Norway is moving toward legislation that would criminalise certain commercial dealings with businesses in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, while several other Western countries are considering similar measures, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. The newspaper, citing reports and comments by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, said the proposed legislation would apply to Norwegian citizens and companies engaged in trade with businesses operating in Israeli settlements. Violations could carry penalties of up to three years in prison, according to the report. Eide expressed optimism that the legislation could be approved by the Norwegian parliament this autumn, amid growing political pressure for measures addressing Israeli settlement activity and developments in the Palestinian territories. READ: UK sanctions […]