Israel's revokes Norwegian diplomats' accreditation

US says move is "unhelpful" as Norway has history of 'playing productive role' between Israel, Palestinian Authority

WASHINGTON:

The US on Thursday criticized as not “helpful” an Israeli decision to revoke the accreditation of Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA). 

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Norway has a long history of “playing a productive role” in engagement with Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

"We don't think steps to prevent them from playing that role are particularly helpful," he said. “If you look at their role in helping mediate the Oslo Accords, if you look at their role just this year, in helping facilitate the release of tax revenue to the Palestinian Authority, they have long played an important role, and we think it's important that they continue to be able to play that role in talking both with the PA and with Israel.”

The Israeli Foreign Ministry revoked the accreditation of eight Norwegian diplomats dealing with the Palestinian Authority in response to Oslo’s recognition of Palestine as a state.

Norway joined Spain and Ireland in May in recognizing Palestine as a state, a move that infuriated Israel. Slovenia and Armenia also followed suit in June.

Israel vowed to take measures against those countries.