Norway allegedly set to cut funding for Palestinian NGOs that support boycotts of Israel. Norway’s decision comes just days after fellow Scandinavian country Denmark said it will revoke funding from several Palestinian NGOs and tighten aid criteria for others after they were found to be tied to anti-Israel activities.
Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan told the TV channel, “This is an additional and vital step for damaging boycott organizations. We will continue to work consistently to expose European funding for Palestinian organizations that delegitimize [Israel].”
The Danish Foreign Ministry made the announcement saying, it would implement a more rigorous vetting process for the transfer of funds to Palestinian NGOs.
According to Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen, “It is important that there is confidence that Danish assistance is going for the right purposes. Following an investigation, most of the earmarked funds will be returned to Danish government coffers. He added that many organizations currently receiving Danish support would no longer do so.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Samuelsen to stop Denmark’s funding for Palestinian NGOs that are involved in anti-Israel incitement or promote boycotts of the Jewish state. The move came after Denmark launched a review of its practices in May.
Netanyahu gave Samuelsen a list of organizations that receive Danish funds and which Israel says are linked to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign against Israel.
