Monday, 25 May 2026
Norway to review investments in Israel over Gaza war crimes concerns
Oslo - The Norwegian government announced on Tuesday that it will conduct a comprehensive review of its $1.9 trillion sovereign wealth fund’s investments to determine whether to exclude any Israeli companies linked to the war in Gaza or settlements in the West Bank.
The move comes after Norwegian daily newspaper Aftenposten reported that the fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), had acquired shares in Israel’s Beit Shemesh Engines, a company that provides jet engines and services to the Israeli military, during 2023 and 2024.
Following media revelations about stakes in suppliers for the Israeli army, Oslo said it would reassess its investments in Israeli firms connected to the Gaza conflict and what it described as the “occupation” of the West Bank.
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, has previously divested from telecommunications and energy companies involved in Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told public broadcaster NRK: “The investment is concerning, and we need clarification on this matter, because what I am reading is causing me discomfort.”
NBIM increased its stake in Beit Shemesh from 1.3% in 2023 to 2.09% by the end of 2024, amounting to $15.2 million in shares.
Norwegian Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum said the central bank will now examine all Israeli holdings in light of the ongoing security situation and the media reports.