According to The Times of Israel, israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has publicly rebuffed Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide’s request to visit Israel. The decision, according to Katz, stems from Norway’s recent actions concerning Palestinian state recognition, its refusal to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, and its support for South Africa’s legal challenges against Israel.
The rift between the two nations deepened following Norway's coordinated move with Spain and Ireland to recognize Palestine as a state earlier this year. Katz cited this as a pivotal issue, accusing Oslo of undermining Israel’s security and diplomatic standing in international forums.
The culmination came at last week’s NATO summit in Washington, where Eide reportedly approached Katz, expressing a desire to discuss bilateral matters. Katz, in response, voiced his objections, stating, "You’ve also done a lot to us," according to sources in his office.
Furthermore, Katz pointed out that Eide’s visit to the Palestinian Authority would require Israel’s consent, hinting at the broader implications of Norway’s diplomatic actions in the region.