Norway and Israel have a long history of friendship. Diplomatic relations were established in 1950. A year earlier, in 1949, Norway formally recognized the State of Israel and contributed to the majority vote necessary in the Security Council for admitting Israel as a full member of the UN. The political ties and dialogue between Norway and Israel have been strong since back then reaching its peak with the signing of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. In 2020 the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon visited Israel.
It is a stated priority by the Norwegian Government to increase co-operation with Israel, within trade, science, innovation and development.
The value of Norway’s exports to Israel amounted to more than NOK 2,2 billion in 2025. The majority of this Norwegian exports are fish and seafood. It is estimated that around 70 percent of the salmon and 30 percent of all imported fish to Israel comes from Norway. Israel is exporting technology, vegetables and fruits to Norway.
Joint Research projects are financed through the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon2020) and national programmes.
The Norwegian Pension Fund Global, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund is investing around NOK 21 billion in shares (around 30 companies) in Israel.
Norwegian artists, musicians and authors have been visiting Israel through the years, strengthening the bonds between Israel and Norway in the cultural field. Israelis can enjoy a variety of Norwegian film, art, music, literature and dance in various festivals and exchanges.
Norway is committed to continue its efforts to assist the Israelis and the Palestinians in achieving a negotiated agreement fulfilling the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Norway chairs the international donor coordination group for Palestine (the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee).
Norway and Israel are also in dialogue on military and defense issues. Norway is contributing to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai and to UN forces in the region.
Approximately 600 Norwegians are living in Israel, many of them Israeli-Norwegian families. Over the years, numerous Norwegians have visited Israel as kibbutz volunteers, as UN personnel, as students, as business representatives or as tourists.