“The Israeli settlements in Palestine are in breach of international law. They contribute to displacement, extreme violence and a situation that makes a peaceful solution impossible. We intend to prohibit trade with the unlawful settlements. By proposing legally binding prohibitions, the government makes it clear that Norwegian citizens and Norwegian companies must not profit from or support activities that help sustain Israel’s unlawful settlement activity in Palestine,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The settlements have on numerous occasions been deemed illegal by the UN Security Council and in advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The bill entails a ban on importing goods from Israeli settlements in Palestine and a ban on exporting goods to the same settlements. It also prohibits purchasing real estate in the settlements, providing services related to the construction, renovation, purchase or sale of property there, and acquiring businesses with headquarters and production in the settlements. At the same time, the proposal safeguards legitimate Palestinian activities and humanitarian assistance. Violations will be subject to criminal liability.

“The settlements undermine the basis for a Palestinian state. Norwegian citizens and Norwegian companies must not contribute to maintaining this development. With this legislative proposal, the government takes a clear stance and puts forward rules that set firm limits for Norwegian trade and business activities,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In response to the dramatic developments in the West Bank, Norway, together with several other countries, also decided to introduce additional sanctions and measures against violent settlers in the West Bank last week.

“The settlements and the serious abuses committed by violent settlers are making the situation in the West Bank increasingly untenable. Civilians are being killed, the economy is being strangled, and local communities are being destroyed. This must stop,” said Eide.

The proposal is now being circulated for general consultation and will be published simultaneously on regjeringen.no. The Ministry invites affected companies, organisations, expert communities and other interested parties to submit comments on the proposal. The consultation deadline is 19 September 2026.