Norway's $2T Sovereign Wealth Fund Divests From Several Israeli Companies

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1 day ago

Above: Pro-Palestine protesters stage a demonstration demanding the Norwegian government end arms exports to Israel, in Oslo, Norway on April 5, 2025. Image copyright: Eyad Al Zaro/Anadolu/Getty Images

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The fund's actions represent a necessary response to the extraordinary humanitarian circumstances in Gaza. These targeted divestments focus on companies not included in the ministry's benchmark index, allowing the fund to maintain its ethical standards while avoiding blanket discrimination against Israeli firms. The move strengthens due diligence without abandoning the fund's global investment mandate.

ap CNN

Pro-Israel narrative

If Western nations and international organizations truly cared about the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, they would pressure Hamas to release the hostages and surrender instead of calling for Israel to end a war it didn't start. Israel will not be forced into a situation in which its security is compromised, and it will continue to work toward Hamas' defeat regardless of the hypocritical statements made by Western leaders.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

This limited action falls far short of what's needed given the scale of Israel's apartheid system and genocidal policies toward Palestinians. Selling just 11 out of 61 companies while keeping 50 Israeli holdings shows the fund remains heavily invested in what many call an "economy of genocide." The fund should have acted much faster and more comprehensively to address these ethical concerns.

Al Jazeera