Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Norway Election: Investments in Israel in Crosshairs
Norway's election is getting heated because of how its big money fund invests in companies in Israel.
Some political parties want the fund to stop investing in Israeli companies involved in the conflict.
They believe the fund's current actions might be breaking international law.
Others want the fund to follow its rules and stay out of politics.
The fund has already started selling off some investments, but the debate continues.
The fund, which is enormous, invests Norway's oil money and is supposed to be managed carefully.
It is supposed to follow ethical guidelines.
Norway's sovereign wealth fund's investments in Israel are central to the election campaign.
The Socialist Left party may condition support for a future Labour government on divestment from companies involved in "Israel's illegal warfare in Gaza."
The fund has divested from 23 Israeli companies since June 30.
The fund follows ethical guidelines, introduced in 2004, that stipulate it cannot invest in companies involved in serious violations of individuals’ rights.
The fund is valued at $2 trillion, equivalent to $355,000 per Norwegian.
- Who
- Political parties, the Labour party, the Socialist Left, and the fund's CEO are involved.
- What
- Debate over Norway's sovereign wealth fund investments in Israel.
- When
- During Norway's election campaign (Sept. 8 election).
- Where
- Norway
- Why
- Investment in Israel is a key election issue.
Advocates for Divestment
Supporters of the Current Process
Compliance with International Law
Advocates for Divestment
Norway is contributing to the violation of international law.
Supporters of the Current Process
Formal divestment process takes too long.
Ethical Considerations
Advocates for Divestment
Companies with ties to Israeli military should be avoided.
Supporters of the Current Process
Ethics rules might be violated.
- Fund Size
- $2 trillion
- Divested Companies (since June 30)
- 23 Israeli companies
- Fund's Purpose
- Invest Norway's oil and gas revenue abroad
- Ethical Guidelines Introduced
- 2004
- Potential Governing Parties
- Conservatives, Progress Party, Liberals, and Christian Democrats
- Amount per Norwegian
- $355,000