Iceland–Israel relations

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Iceland-Israel relations
Map indicating locations of Iceland and Israel

Iceland
Israel

Iceland–Israel relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Iceland and Israel. Both nations are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Trade Organization.

History[]

Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol greeting Icelandic Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson in Jerusalem, 1964.

Early relations[]

One of the first contacts between Iceland and the people of Palestine's region took place in the 1400s when Icelanders (then part of Denmark) partook in the Crusades.[1] The first official relations between modern Iceland and Israel took place on 29 November 1947 when Iceland voted in favor for the Partition of Palestine which led to the creation of the State of Israel. In May 1948 Iceland recognized the State of Israel and established diplomatic relations.[2]

In September 1962, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion traveled to Iceland on an official visit and met with Icelandic Prime Minister Ólafur Thors.[3] In November 1964, Icelandic Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson paid a visit to Israel and met with Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.[3] In May 1966, Icelandic President Ásgeir Ásgeirsson paid an official visit to Israel and addressed the Knesset.[4]

In September 1992, Israel and the European Free Trade Association (which includes Iceland) signed a free trade agreement.[5]

Two-state solution[]

Since the 1990s, Iceland has been a proponent of independence for nations and territories wishing to become independent. The Icelandic government has advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has called for international recognition of the State of Palestine.[6] On 30 April 2002 the Althing (Parliament of Iceland) adopted a Parliamentary Resolution where it was demanded “that peace negotiations on the establishment of an independent State of Palestine and the security of the State of Israel within internationally recognised borders should begin”.[6] As a results of this position by the Icelandic government, Israel has expressed its frustration with Iceland.

In 2010, Iceland expressed its condemnation at the United Nations against Israel's raid of the Gaza flotilla and Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip.[7] In November 2011, the Althing approved a resolution recognizing an independent and sovereign State of Palestine within the pre-1967 Six-Day War borders becoming the first western European nation to do so.[8][9]

In September 2015, the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík voted in favor "of a general boycott of Israeli goods as long as the occupation of the Palestinian territories continues."[10] This was criticized by the Icelandic government. Immediately, the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that the "decision of Reykjavík was not in line with Iceland's foreign policy nor does it reflect on Iceland's relations with the State of Israel."[10] Within a week, Reykjavik mayor Dagur Eggertsson amended the proposal to a boycott of products made in what it deems to be "occupied" territory.

Controversies[]

During the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, held in Tel Aviv, Icelandic participants Hatari held up scarves with the Palestinian flag on them during the televote.

State visits[]

Presidential and Prime Ministerial visits from Iceland to Israel[3]

Prime Ministerial visits from Israel to Iceland[3]

Diplomatic missions[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Denmark and the Crusades: 1400 - 1650
  2. ^ Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Status of relations
  3. ^ a b c d Zion Friends of Israel: Iceland
  4. ^ Address by the President of the Republic of Iceland
  5. ^ EFTA: Israel
  6. ^ a b Proposal for a Parliamentary Resolution On the Recognition of the Independence and Sovereignty of Palestine
  7. ^ The Human Rights Council continues urgent debate on Israeli raid on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza
  8. ^ Parliamentary resolution on an independent and sovereign Palestine
  9. ^ Iceland recognises Palestinian state
  10. ^ a b Iceland capital retracting decision to boycott Israeli goods
  11. ^ Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Israel
  12. ^ Embassy of Israel in Norway
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