Norwegian Jews decry proposed criminalization of settlement trade – interiew

Norwegian Jews have expressed strong opposition to a proposed law that would criminalize trade with Israeli settlements, calling it “deeply troubling” and “dangerous.” The bill, announced by Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, could impose penalties ranging from fines to three years in prison for intentional violations. Ester Nafstad, co-founder of Kos & Kaos, stated that a law with potential prison sentences “cannot be treated as merely symbolic” and highlighted concerns among Norwegian Jews that their ties to Israel could lead to scrutiny. She also criticized Eide's comment that Israel has become “far too accustomed to being able to intimidate Western countries by saying they were antisemitic,” arguing it harms efforts to recognize actual antisemitism. Henrik Beckheim, a Norwegian Jewish author, called Eide's statement “delegitimizing when Jews call out antisemitism for what it is.” The consultation deadline for the bill is Saturday, and 11 other countries have also indicated intentions to impose similar trade restrictions.