Introduction

Norway’s military and security relationship with Israel is marked by duality. Norwegian law prohibits arms exports to countries involved in war, such as Israel, and the government has occasionally taken formal steps to limit military cooperation. On the other hand, Norway continues to purchase Israeli military technologies, including Rafael’s “Trophy” tank protection system and maintains active cyber cooperation, including the use of Cellebrite surveillance tools. Norwegian companies with partial state ownership, like Chemring Nobel and Nammo, have also supplied materials reportedly used by the Israeli military, bypassing legal restrictions. In addition, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund remains invested in Israeli defense companies such as Next Vision and Bet Shemesh Engines, despite past divestments from firms linked to the occupation.

Norway-Israel relations

Norway’s relations with Israel began officially in 1949 when Norway recognized the newly established Israeli state. Early Norwegian governments, especially under the Labour Party, held a strong pro-Israel stance.Norway played a prominent role as the host and facilitator in the secret negotiations between the PLO and Israel that led to the signing of the Oslo Accords. This role gained Norway international prestige and Norway was established as a leading conflict mediator on the global stage, later contributing to peace processes in Sri Lanka, Cyprus, Sudan, Guatemala, Colombia, and the former Yugoslavia.^[1]Global Affairs, Norway’s ambiguous approach towards Israel and Palestine, 2018

Over the decades, Norwegian public opinion grew increasingly critical of Israel’s policies, especially concerning the occupation of Palestinian territories, while Norwegian governments maintained and even expanded economic ties with Israel. Norway’s foreign policy has often attempted a balancing act, supporting Israel diplomatically while voicing concern over occupation practices, though this has increasingly diverged from the critical stance of Norwegian civil society.^[2]Global Affairs, Norway’s ambiguous approach towards Israel and Palestine, 2018

2020: the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon visits Israel.^[3]Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Bilateral Relations, 18.05.2023

January 2024: Despite Israel’s accusations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, Norway announced it will continue its donations and initiated a campaign to defend UNRWA in other countries.^[4]Haaretz, Norway Urges Maintaining UNRWA Funding, Says It Wasn’t Briefed by Israel on Allegations, 31.01.2024

August 2024: Israel revoked the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian diplomats who worked at the country’s mission to the Palestinian Authority, in response to the Norway’s pro-Palestinian stance.^[5]Haaretz, Israel Revokes Eight Norwegian Diplomats’ Status With the PA as Punishment for Recognizing Palestine, 08.08.2024

Economic Relations

Norway’s main export to Israel is fish. In 2024, fish were 90% of all Norway Exports to Israel, which reached $243 million.^[6]Trading Economics, Norway Exports to Israel, April 2025^[7]Haaretz, Israel and Norway: An Icy Relationship, 11.04.2024 More than 80 percent of all imported salmon to Israel is from Norway. To a much smaller extent, Norway also exports metals and paper.^[8]Haaretz, Israel and Norway: An Icy Relationship, 11.04.2024 Israel’s main export to Norway is agricultural products. Israel also exports to Norway technological products such as computer items.Israel Exports to Norway reached $52 million in 2024.^[9]Trading Economics, Israel Exports to Norway, April 2025^[10]Haaretz, Israel and Norway: An Icy Relationship, 11.04.2024

Norway and Israel have joint research projects that are financed through the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon2020) and national programmes.^[11]Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Bilateral Relations, 18.05.2023

Norway is financially invested in Israel through the sovereign wealth fund. It is one of the world’s largest investors, owning on average 1.5% of all listed stocks worldwide and is based on the Norwegian state’s revenues from oil and gas production.^[12]Reuters, Norway wealth fund posts $40 bln first-quarter loss on tech weakness, 24.04.2025 As of 31.12.2024 Norway invested $1.95 Billion in shares in 65 Israeli companies and corporations.^[13]Norges Bank Investment Management, All Investments As of 2019, these were the Fund’s largest investments in the Middle East region.^[14]Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Bilateral Relations, 18.05.2023

Boycott of Israeli settlements and divestments

For years, there have been calls in Norway for various types of boycotts against Israel and especially against organizations and cooperation contributing to the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the war in Gaza. Such initiatives include some universities that have ties with Israeli academic institutions, trade unions and local municipalities, including Oslo, have called for boycotts or announced them.^[15]Haaretz, Israel and Norway: An Icy Relationship, 11.04.2024 In 2018 the Norwegian foreign ministry published a research concluding they do not violate Norway’s laws.^[16]The Times of Israel, Norway says boycotting Israeli West Bank settlements is legal, but unhelpful, 13.05.2018

In March 2024 the Norwegian government warned against all economic or financial activities in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and sent an official statement on the subject to Norwegian businesses^[17]The Times of Israel, Norway’s Storebrand divests from Palantir over use of its software by Israeli forces, 27.10.2024^[18]Government of Norway, Government is advising against trade and business activity with Israeli settlements, 14.03.2024

In 2009 Norway’s sovereign wealth fund first declared divesting from a company because of its activities in the West Bank. The fund sold its holdings in Elbit Systems because the company supplied surveillance systems used on the separation barrier in the occupied West Bank, violating human rights.^[19]Globes, Norwegian Gov’t Pension Fund exits Elbit Systems, 03.09.2009

In the following years Norway’s fund divested from nine companies operating in the West Bank. In December 2024 it sold all its shares in the Israeli company Bezeq because it provides telecoms services to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.^[20]Reuters, Norway wealth fund divests from Israel’s Bezeq over services to West Bank settlements, 04.12.2024

As of December 2024, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund is still invested in Israeli defense companies, such as Next Vision Stabilized Systems and Bet Shemesh Engines Holdings.^[21]Norges Bank Investment Management, All Investments Next Vision is developing stabilized cameras for unmanned vehicles, its customers in Israel include Elbit, IAI, Aeronautics, Rafael and the Israeli Ministry of Defense.^[22]Tech Time, Next Vision raises annual sales forecast to $110 million, 16.05.2024. Bet Shemesh Engines is an Israeli company specializes in jet engine manufacturing and repair, and is a contractor for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.^[23]Calcalist, Beit Shemesh Engines CEO: “There is a direction to purchase more in Israel to reduce dependence on abroad”, 25.11.24 Profits for both companies and their shareholders jumped since the war on Gaza.^[24]Tech Time, Next Vision raises annual sales forecast to $110 million, 16.05.2024^[25]Calcalist, Beit Shemesh Engines CEO: “There is a direction to purchase more in Israel to reduce dependence on abroad”, 25.11.24

In October 2024 Norwegian investor Storebrand Asset Management divested its holding in Palantir Technologies, a US based company, because of concern that Palantir is providing services to the Israeli military and security forces which violate international humanitarian law and human rights.^[26]The Times of Israel, Norway’s Storebrand divests from Palantir over use of its software by Israeli forces, 27.10.2024

Military and Security Relations

Norway’s military and security relationship with Israel is marked by a longstanding and complex duality. On the one hand, Norwegian law prohibits arms exports to countries involved in war, such as Israel,^[27]Haaretz, Israel and Norway: An Icy Relationship, 11.04.2024 and the government has occasionally taken formal steps to limit military cooperation, such as banning Israeli firms from tenders (2002)^[28]Globes, ”Defense News”: Norway lifts ban on Israeli arms, 02.07.2002 and blocking submarine testing for Israel (2010).^[29]Ynet News, Norway: Israel-bound subs banned from testing in our waters, 01.10.2010 On the other hand, Norway continues to purchase Israeli military technologies, including Rafael’s “Trophy” tank protection system^[30]Israel Defense, Norway’s Leopard Tanks to Equip with “Trophy” Active Protection System, 18.06.2023 and maintains active cyber cooperation, including the use of Cellebrite surveillance tools.^[31]Wired, Europe is using smartphone data as a weapon to deport refugees, 02.07.2018^[32]Reuters, Serbia used Israeli firm’s tech to enable spy campaign, Amnesty says, 16.12.2024 Norwegian companies with partial state ownership, like Chemring Nobel and Nammo, have also supplied materials reportedly used by the Israeli military, bypassing legal restrictions.^[33]Haaretz, Israel and Norway: An Icy Relationship, 11.04.2024 Joint participation in exercises^[34]Israel Hayom, Israel to participate in international naval drill in Black Sea, 22.06.2021^[35]Estonian World, Israel to participate in the Saber Strike exercise, 25.05.2018 and continued diplomatic military engagement, such as posting a defense attaché in Tel Aviv,^[36]Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Bilateral Relations, 18.05.2023 further underscores the ambiguity between Norway’s official arms embargo and its de facto security cooperation with Israel.

The military relations between Norway and Israel began in the early years after Israel’s founding, when Norway sold military equipment to Israel^[37]Global Affairs, Norway’s ambiguous approach towards Israel and Palestine, 2018 and later in 1959 sold heavy water used by Israel in Atomic bombs production. ^[38]Wisconsin Project, Israel’s A-Bombs and Norway’s Heavy Water: The Steps to Revelation, 01.04.1990 Norway’s military and security-related economic engagements with Israel persisted and even grew over time, including Norway’s sovereign wealth fund investments in Israeli industries involved in arms and surveillance technology.^[39]Global Affairs, Norway’s ambiguous approach towards Israel and Palestine, 2018

Norway has been involved in UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 1978 onward^[40]Global Affairs, Norway’s ambiguous approach towards Israel and Palestine, 2018 and is contributing to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai and to UN forces in the region.^[41]Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Bilateral Relations, 18.05.2023

By Norwegian law, it is forbidden to export Norwegian weapons to countries that are at war like Israel. But the Norwegian arms industry, a large part of which is government-owned, has found ways of bypassing the prohibition. The Norwegian company Chemring Nobel produces rocket fuel and explosives for missiles used by the Israel Defense Forces. Another Norwegian company that has also been accused of selling weapons to Israel is the Nordic Ammunition Company (Nammo), whose M141 shoulder-fired missiles are said to be used in Gaza.^[42]Haaretz, Israel and Norway: An Icy Relationship, 11.04.2024

Israel’s Ministry of Defense estimated Norway’s purchases of Israeli arms between 1992-2002 was worth $7 million.^[43]Globes, ”Defense News”: Norway lifts ban on Israeli arms, 02.07.2002

April 2002: Norway set a temporary ban on Israeli arms companies from participating in Norwegian government tenders and lifted it after 3 months.^[44]Globes, ”Defense News”: Norway lifts ban on Israeli arms, 02.07.2002

October 2010: Norway prohibited German shipbuilding company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) from using the Norwegian submarine base it leases to test Israel-bound submarines. This decision was part of Norway’s ban on security exports to Israel and stems from the Israeli navy’s role in enforcing the blockade of Gaza.^[45]Ynet News, Norway: Israel-bound subs banned from testing in our waters, 01.10.2010

September 2013: Norway has stationed a defense attaché to Israel in the Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv.^[46]Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Bilateral Relations, 18.05.2023

February 2017: A group of cadets from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy went on a tour organized by the Israeli military.^[47]The Electronic Intifada, Did Israel take Norwegian cadets to occupied Hebron? 24.02.2017

In 2019 Norway was part of the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) which obtained Elbit’s DIRCM systems.^[48]Elbit, Elbit Systems to Equip Multinational MRTT Fleet with J-MUSIC DIRCM System, 13.04.2021^[49]Elbit, Airbus Conducted Integration Flight Tests of Elbit Systems’ DIRCM Onboard NATO MMF A330 MRTT, 17.06.2019

2021: Roboteam, an Israeli company specialised in tactical ground robotic systems, says it has contracts in Norway.^[50]Defense News, Israel’s Elbit, Roboteam unveil ‘Rook’ ground robot, 19.11.2021

June 2023: Norway purchased Leopard 2 Tanks equipped with the Israeli Rafael’s “Trophy” protection system.^[51]Israel Defense, Norway’s Leopard Tanks to Equip with “Trophy” Active Protection System, 18.06.2023

A report published in April 2026 listed several important systems used by the Norwegian military that have Israeli components:

• F-35 fighter jet: The Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), used by F-35 pilots, is made by RCEVS, a collaboration between the American Rockwell Collins and the Israeli Elbit Systems.
• CV90 vehicles: All CV90 models that Norway has have fire extinguishing systems supplied by the American Emerson, which in 2015 acquired the Israeli supplier Spectronix. This is the original supplier of the extinguishing systems, and production also takes place in Israel.
• K9 VIDAR: The fire protection system has Israeli components from Beth-El Zikhron Yaaqov Industries.
• LEOPARD 2: The Leopard tanks contain the EuroTrophy self-defense system, which is based on an Israeli design by the Rafael.
• DINGO 2: An armored wheeled vehicle that Norway originally quickly purchased for use in Afghanistan. The ventilation system, which is intended to protect against chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear weapons, is made by Beth-El Industries.
• WISENT 2: Parts of the protection for the crew in the armored vehicles are made by AMEFO, a French subsidiary of the Israeli Plasan.
•  Frigates: The type 26 Frigates, which Norway is buying from the UK, contains subsystems from the Israeli Elbit Systems.^[52]Forsvarets forum, Så viktig er israelsk teknologi for norske våpen, 18.04.2026

Cyber

Norway is one of the countries authorized to purchase Israeli cyber technology, after the Israeli Defense Ministry restricted exports of Israeli cyber technology.^[53]Israel Hayom, Report: Israel to limit sale of cyber technology to dozens of countries, 25.11.2021 Norwegian representatives have attended Israel’s Cybertech conferences in 2020 and 2024.^[54]Israel Defense, Cybertech Global 2020 Ends on a High Note, 30.01.2020^[55]Israel Defense, Israeli Cyber Exits Sum Breaks All-Time Record, Despite Drop in Number of Transactions, 07.04.2024

In 2011, Norway’s national security service used BriefCam video synopsis technology to investigate the bombing of a children’s camp.^[56]Popular Science, Why Are Israeli Startups Leading The Tech World?, 25.08.2014^[57]Israel21c, Canon will acquire Israel’s BriefCam video analytics firm, 09.05.2018

Norway is a client of the Israeli phone-cracking company Cellebrite and allegedly used the technology on asylum seekers.^[58]Wired, Europe is using smartphone data as a weapon to deport refugees, 02.07.2018 The Norwegian government funded phone-cracking devices from Cellebrite given to Serbia as part of a broader package of assistance designed to help Serbia meet the requirements for integration into the European Union. Cellebrite’s devices was later revealed to be used by Serbia to install spyware on the phones of dozens of journalists and activists.^[59]Reuters, Serbia used Israeli firm’s tech to enable spy campaign, Amnesty says, 16.12.2024

Joint drills

Sea Breeze 2021: Norway and Israel participated in the navy drill hosted by the USA and Ukraine.^[60]Israel Hayom, Israel to participate in international naval drill in Black Sea, 22.06.2021

Saber Strike exercise 2018: Norway and Israel participated in the US-led exercise held in Estonia, alongside 18 more countries.^[61]Estonian World, Israel to participate in the Saber Strike exercise, 25.05.2018