One more step from Norway, which officially recognizes Palestine: If he steps foot on our lands, we will arrest Netanyahu.

The Norwegian government announced that it will recognize Palestine on May 28th, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, with the 1967 borders. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide that "the Norwegian government has decided to recognize Palestine as a state."



Store emphasized the importance of keeping alive the only alternative that offers a political solution to both Israelis and Palestinians in the midst of a war that has resulted in the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands of people. He highlighted that this alternative is "two states living side by side in peace and security."



In a statement from the government, it was emphasized that Norway supports and strives for a two-state solution and that the recognition of Palestine as a state underscores Norway's long-standing position that a permanent solution to the conflict in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution. The statement also mentioned that Palestine will be recognized on May 28th, with the 1967 borders, in accordance with international law and relevant UNSC resolutions, simultaneously with other European countries that share similar views.



Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide made comments to the Norwegian media regarding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) application for an "arrest warrant" for Netanyahu and Gallant. Eide indicated that if an arrest warrant is issued and they enter Norwegian territory, they will be arrested. He also stated that the same procedure would apply to the Hamas leader for whom the ICC has applied for an arrest warrant. Eide noted that the same practice applies to other European countries as well. Norway became the first European country to announce that it would arrest Netanyahu if an arrest warrant is issued.



ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced on May 20th that he had applied for an "arrest warrant" for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant. According to a statement from the ICC, Khan also applied for an arrest warrant for Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, and the leader of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Deif.