US State Dept criticizes Israel for revoking Norwegian diplomats’ status

In a surprising turn of events, the United States has publicly criticized its ally Israel for revoking the diplomatic status of Norwegian envoys to the Palestinian Authority. The US State Department emphasized Norway’s pivotal role in the Middle East peace process and expressed disappointment in Israel’s actions.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller lauded Norway’s history of productive engagement with both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. He highlighted Norway’s involvement in brokering the Oslo Accords in 1993 and its recent efforts in facilitating the collection of tax revenue for the Palestinian Authority.

Israel’s decision to strip diplomatic status from Norwegian diplomats was in response to Norway, Ireland, and Spain recognizing a Palestinian state. The United States, while supporting the idea of a Palestinian state, reiterated the importance of negotiations between Israel and Palestine to achieve this goal.

This public disagreement between the US and Israel underscores the complexity of international relations in the volatile Middle East region.