30 years and 4 months after the Oslo Accords were signed, it seems that today the main agreement in Norway regarding Israel is hostility, hatred and support for the boycott. A poll recently published by the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (Derech HaOlam) reveals growing support for boycotting Israel in response to what is defined as alleged human rights violations. We used Claude to bring the data.
The survey, which included 1,000 Norwegian voters, found that 47% of respondents support an economic boycott against Israel, compared to only 27% who opposed. This view went beyond the boundaries of traditional party lines between left and right, with voters for all major parties except the Christian Democrats and the populist right mostly supporting a boycott of Israel. When asked how the government should deal with us, 31% answered that it should express more support for the Palestinians, 37% supported continuing the current approach (which includes condemnations of Israel, but without operative measures), and only 6% said that the government should support Israel more.
Experts attribute the gradual shift to the left to Norway's growing "anxiety" about Israeli military actions against Palestinians. More than half of Norwegians believe the international community should take stronger action to curb Israeli action, which some label as excessive violence targeting civilians.
Many compare the war in Gaza with Russia's invasion of Ukraine – and just as Norway strongly condemns Russian aggression, some demand equal condemnation of Israel through sanctions. The proposals range from banning trade on Israeli goods and services to freezing economic cooperation agreements.
However, the Norwegian government opposes unilateral sanctions without broader international backing. Foreign Minister Espen Barthes Ida called for diplomatic leverage to restore peace. Officials say Norway's influence comes through persuading allies, not mere symbolic sanctions. The coalition also fears that a complete exclusion of Israel could undermine aid to the Palestinian population. Nonetheless, the new poll signals growing public support for Norway to increase pressure on Israel through boycotts, sanctions or reduced cooperation.
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