Do not engage in trade and business cooperation that serves to perpetuate Israel's occupation of Palestine

‘Such trade and business cooperation may be associated with serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and could in certain cases be considered activity that enables violations of these rights to continue. The Government is therefore advising Norwegian companies not to engage in trade or business cooperation that serve to perpetuate Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The advice has been further strengthened in response to developments in Israel’s efforts to facilitate Israeli settlements and business activity in Palestinian territory. In its advisory opinion issued on 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated that Israel’s practices are in violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The Government expects Norwegian companies to operate in a responsible manner and to comply with the Norwegian Transparency Act (Åpenhetsloven), the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

The Government urges the Norwegian business sector and companies to:

• Assume that business relations that can serve to perpetuate Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory entail a clear risk that a company may be associated with serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. In certain cases, this could be considered activity that enables these violations to continue.
• Assume that maintaining business relations that serve to perpetuate the illegal Israeli presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory could have legal, economic, and/or reputational impacts for the company.
• Immediately assess whether business relations with entities that serve to perpetuate Israel’s illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory should be terminated.

‘When the International Court of Justice issues such a clear statement as the one issued on 19 July, it has an effect on businesses from Norway and other countries. The UN’s principal judicial body has determined that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is in violation of international law and must cease as soon as possible. If we are to succeed in ending the occupation, all those who contribute to this activity must take responsibility,’ said Mr Eide.

The new advice further strengthen the Government’s statement in March advising Norwegian companies not to engage in business cooperation or trade that serves to perpetuate the illegal settlements.