Statement on the Israeli government’s desicion to expand settlements on occupied Palestinian territory

- Norway calls on the Israeli government to reverse the recently approved plans for the construction of close to 5000 new housing units on occupied Palestinian territory. The Norwegian government considers the settlements to constitute a violation of international law, and supports the full implementation of UN Security Council 2334. I am concerned that the settlement decisions made this week will undermine efforts to rebuild trust between Israelis and Palestinians, and imperil the prospects for achieving a negotiated two-state solution. Furthermore, the decision of new settlement construction risk eroding the space for dialogue and cooperation between Israel and the Arab world, says Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide.