[Opinion] Norway's neutrality trap and how noble intentions undermine Mideast peace
[Excerpts]
Norway has cultivated a reputation for neutrality as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, being perceived as taking a balanced approach and promoting peace mediation efforts. However, this veneer of neutrality has now been shattered by the current Norwegian government’s policies that clearly undermine Israel’s security and sovereignty.
Israel has justifiably responded by revoking the accreditation of eight Norwegian diplomats, targeting the very avenues of Norway’s duplicity towards Israel.
Chief among the Norwegian government’s problematic policies toward Israel are Norway’s recognition of a Palestinian state without a comprehensive peace agreement, and its refusal to label Hamas as a terrorist organization although it is recognized as such by most Western nations. In addition, Norway’s support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigations into Israel for war crimes and crimes against humanity further complicates matters, as these actions disproportionately target Israel while ignoring the complexities of the conflict.
Although Norway is celebrated for its transparency and low levels of corruption – a model for other nations – this transparency also exposes the true priorities of its leaders, particularly in foreign policy. This has never been more evident than in the actions of Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, who seems surprised as Israel calls out Norway’s disingenuous and hostile diplomatic positions.
