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==History==
==History==
[[File:Bjarni Benediktsson and Levi Eshkol 1964.jpg|thumb|right|Israeli Prime Minister [[Levi Eshkol]] greeting Icelandic Prime Minister [[Bjarni Benediktsson (born 1908)|Bjarni Benediktsson]] in [[Jerusalem]], 1964.]]
[[File:Bjarni Benediktsson and Levi Eshkol 1964.jpg|thumb|right|Israeli prime minister [[Levi Eshkol]] greeting Icelandic prime minister [[Bjarni Benediktsson (born 1908)|Bjarni Benediktsson]] in [[Jerusalem]], 1964.]]


=== Early relations ===
=== Early relations ===
One of the first contacts between Iceland and the people of [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]]'s region took place in the 1400s when Icelanders (then part of [[Denmark]]) partook in the [[Crusades]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=6mWY_r7C2VsC&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165&dq=Iceland+crusade+in+holy+land&source=bl&ots=eAVq1Nsu68&sig=8Bpb6CHReiTXaYb6px0li1nEUNM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjVkYjRnL_YAhUI02MKHW-bB-UQ6AEIQTAG#v=onepage&q=Iceland%20crusade%20in%20holy%20land&f=false Denmark and the Crusades: 1400 - 1650]</ref> The first official relations between modern Iceland and [[Israel]] took place on 29 November 1947 when Iceland voted in favor for the [[United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine|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.<ref>[http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/AboutTheMinistry/Pages/Israel-s%20Diplomatic%20Missions%20Abroad.aspx Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Status of relations]</ref>
The first official relations between modern Iceland and [[Israel]] took place on 29 November 1947 when Iceland voted in favor for the [[United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine|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.<ref>[http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/AboutTheMinistry/Pages/Israel-s%20Diplomatic%20Missions%20Abroad.aspx Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Status of relations]</ref>


In September 1962, Israeli Prime Minister [[David Ben-Gurion]] traveled to Iceland on an official visit and met with Icelandic Prime Minister [[Ólafur Thors]].<ref name=Visits>[http://zion.is/english/photographs1.htm Zion Friends of Israel: Iceland]</ref> In November 1964, Icelandic Prime Minister [[Bjarni Benediktsson (born 1908)|Bjarni Benediktsson]] paid a visit to Israel and met with Israeli Prime Minister [[Levi Eshkol]].<ref name=Visits />
In September 1962, Israeli prime minister [[David Ben-Gurion]] traveled to Iceland on an official visit and met with Icelandic prime minister [[Ólafur Thors]].<ref name=Visits>{{Cite web |url=http://zion.is/english/photographs1.htm |title=Zion Friends of Israel: Iceland |access-date=2018-01-05 |archive-date=2013-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517043633/http://www.zion.is/english/photographs1.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> In November 1964, Icelandic prime minister [[Bjarni Benediktsson (born 1908)|Bjarni Benediktsson]] paid a visit to Israel and met with Israeli prime minister [[Levi Eshkol]].<ref name=Visits />
In May 1966, Icelandic President [[Ásgeir Ásgeirsson]] paid an official visit to Israel and addressed the [[Knesset]].<ref>[https://www.knesset.gov.il/description/eng/doc/speech_asgeirsson_1966_eng.pdf Address by the President of the Republic of Iceland]</ref>
In May 1966, Icelandic president [[Ásgeir Ásgeirsson]] paid an official visit to Israel and addressed the [[Knesset]].<ref>[https://www.knesset.gov.il/description/eng/doc/speech_asgeirsson_1966_eng.pdf Address by the President of the Republic of Iceland]</ref>


In September 1992, Israel and the [[European Free Trade Association]] (which includes Iceland) signed a free trade agreement.<ref>[http://www.efta.int/free-trade/free-trade-agreements/israel EFTA: Israel]</ref>
In September 1992, Israel and the [[European Free Trade Association]] (which includes Iceland) signed a free trade agreement.<ref>[http://www.efta.int/free-trade/free-trade-agreements/israel EFTA: Israel]</ref>
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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.<ref name=MFA>[https://www.mfa.is/media/MFA_pdf/Palestine_Parliamentary_Resolution_Althingi.pdf Proposal for a Parliamentary Resolution On the Recognition of the Independence and Sovereignty of Palestine]</ref> 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”.<ref name=MFA /> As a results of this position by the Icelandic government, Israel has expressed its frustration with Iceland.
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.<ref name=MFA>[https://www.mfa.is/media/MFA_pdf/Palestine_Parliamentary_Resolution_Althingi.pdf Proposal for a Parliamentary Resolution On the Recognition of the Independence and Sovereignty of Palestine]</ref> 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”.<ref name=MFA /> 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 raid|Gaza flotilla]] and Israel's attack on the [[Gaza Strip]].<ref>[https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/human-rights-council-continues-urgent-debate-israeli-raid The Human Rights Council continues urgent debate on Israeli raid on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza]</ref> In November 2011, the Althing approved a resolution [[International recognition of the State of Palestine|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.<ref>[https://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/6509 Parliamentary resolution on an independent and sovereign Palestine]</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/30/iceland-recognises-palestinian-state Iceland recognises Palestinian state]</ref>
In 2010, Iceland expressed its condemnation at the [[United Nations]] against Israel's raid of the [[Gaza flotilla raid|Gaza flotilla]] and Israel's attack on the [[Gaza Strip]].<ref>[https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/human-rights-council-continues-urgent-debate-israeli-raid The Human Rights Council continues urgent debate on Israeli raid on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza]</ref> In November 2011, the Althing approved a resolution [[International recognition of the State of Palestine|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.<ref>[https://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/6509 Parliamentary resolution on an independent and sovereign Palestine]</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Iceland recognises Palestinian state |date=2011-11-30 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517063014/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/30/iceland-recognises-palestinian-state |archive-date=2023-05-17 |url-status=live |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/30/iceland-recognises-palestinian-state}}</ref>


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."<ref name=Boycott>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/iceland-capital-retracts-decision-to-boycott-israel/ Iceland capital retracting decision to boycott Israeli goods]</ref> 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."<ref name=Boycott /> Within a week, Reykjavik mayor Dagur Eggertsson amended the proposal to a boycott of products made in what it deems to be "occupied" territory.
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."<ref name=Boycott>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/iceland-capital-retracts-decision-to-boycott-israel/ Iceland capital retracting decision to boycott Israeli goods]</ref> 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."<ref name=Boycott /> Within a week, Reykjavik mayor Dagur Eggertsson amended the proposal that the boycott would apply only to products from Israeli settlements.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/reykjavik-getting-food-delivered-by-israeli-drones | title=Reykjavík getting food delivered by Israeli drones | website=[[The Times of Israel]] }}</ref>


=== Controversies ===
=== Controversies ===
In 1991, [[Ephraim Zuroff]] attempted to get the Icelandic government to extradite [[Evald Mikson]], an [[Estonia|Estonian]] [[Nazi war criminal]] who signed off on the death warrants of 30 [[History of the Jews in Estonia|Estonian Jews]]. The Icelandic government refused to do so. However, they opened an investigation into Mikson in 1993. Mikson died before the conclusion of the investigation. In 2004, the [[Estonian International Commission for Investigation of Crimes Against Humanity]] found that Mikson had signed the death warrants of 30 Jews.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Örn Vilhjálmsson |first1=Vilhjálmur |title=Iceland, the Jews, and Anti-Semitism, 1625-2004 |url=https://jcpa.org/article/iceland-the-jews-and-anti-semitism-1625-2004/ |website=Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs |access-date=7 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Manfred |first1=Gerstenfeld |title=Iceland, Israel, and the Jews: A Largely Negative History |url=https://besacenter.org/iceland-israel-jews/ |website=BESA Center |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=7 May 2024}}</ref>
During the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2019]], held in [[Tel Aviv]], Icelandic participants [[Hatari (band)|Hatari]] held up scarves with the Palestinian flag on them during the televote.

During the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2019]], held in [[Tel Aviv]], Icelandic participants [[Hatari (band)|Hatari]] held up scarves with the Palestinian flag on them during the televote. The Icelandic Association of Composers and Lyricists (FTT), which represents artists in Iceland, told its members in a statement to not participate in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2024]] unless Israel is removed from the competition, on the same grounds as [[Russia]] was in the last competition, due to Israel's conduct in the [[2023 Israel–Hamas war|Israel-Hamas war]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Musicians in Iceland call for Israel to be excluded from 2024 Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/israel-iceland-eurovision-2024-contest-palestine-gaza-uk-b1127728.html |website=The Standard |date=18 December 2023 |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref> FTT also urged the [[RÚV|Icelandic National Broadcaster]] (RÚV) to withdraw from the competition unless Israel is denied participation on the same grounds as Russia was due to its [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web |title=FTT Urges RÚV to Boycott Eurovision if Israel Competes |url=https://www.icelandreview.com/news/ftt-urges-ruv-to-boycott-eurovision-if-israel-competes/ |website=icelandreview.com |date=13 December 2023 |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref>


==State visits==
==State visits==
'''Presidential and Prime Ministerial visits from Iceland to Israel'''<ref name=Visits />
'''Presidential and prime ministerial visits from Iceland to Israel'''<ref name=Visits />


* Prime Minister [[Bjarni Benediktsson (born 1908)|Bjarni Benediktsson]] (1964)
* Prime Minister [[Bjarni Benediktsson (born 1908)|Bjarni Benediktsson]] (1964)
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Iceland-Israel}}
[[Category:Iceland–Israel relations| ]]
[[Category:Iceland–Israel relations| ]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Iceland]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Iceland|Israel]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Israel]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Israel|Iceland]]

Latest revision as of 00:10, 22 October 2024

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

[edit]
Israeli prime minister Levi Eshkol greeting Icelandic prime minister Bjarni Benediktsson in Jerusalem, 1964.

Early relations

[edit]

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.[1]

In September 1962, Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion traveled to Iceland on an official visit and met with Icelandic prime minister Ólafur Thors.[2] In November 1964, Icelandic prime minister Bjarni Benediktsson paid a visit to Israel and met with Israeli prime minister Levi Eshkol.[2] In May 1966, Icelandic president Ásgeir Ásgeirsson paid an official visit to Israel and addressed the Knesset.[3]

In September 1992, Israel and the European Free Trade Association (which includes Iceland) signed a free trade agreement.[4]

Two-state solution

[edit]

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.[5] 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”.[5] 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.[6] 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.[7][8]

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."[9] 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."[9] Within a week, Reykjavik mayor Dagur Eggertsson amended the proposal that the boycott would apply only to products from Israeli settlements.[10]

Controversies

[edit]

In 1991, Ephraim Zuroff attempted to get the Icelandic government to extradite Evald Mikson, an Estonian Nazi war criminal who signed off on the death warrants of 30 Estonian Jews. The Icelandic government refused to do so. However, they opened an investigation into Mikson in 1993. Mikson died before the conclusion of the investigation. In 2004, the Estonian International Commission for Investigation of Crimes Against Humanity found that Mikson had signed the death warrants of 30 Jews.[11][12]

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. The Icelandic Association of Composers and Lyricists (FTT), which represents artists in Iceland, told its members in a statement to not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 unless Israel is removed from the competition, on the same grounds as Russia was in the last competition, due to Israel's conduct in the Israel-Hamas war.[13] FTT also urged the Icelandic National Broadcaster (RÚV) to withdraw from the competition unless Israel is denied participation on the same grounds as Russia was due to its invasion of Ukraine.[14]

State visits

[edit]

Presidential and prime ministerial visits from Iceland to Israel[2]

Prime Ministerial visits from Israel to Iceland[2]

Diplomatic missions

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Status of relations
  2. ^ a b c d "Zion Friends of Israel: Iceland". Archived from the original on 2013-05-17. Retrieved 2018-01-05.
  3. ^ Address by the President of the Republic of Iceland
  4. ^ EFTA: Israel
  5. ^ a b Proposal for a Parliamentary Resolution On the Recognition of the Independence and Sovereignty of Palestine
  6. ^ The Human Rights Council continues urgent debate on Israeli raid on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza
  7. ^ Parliamentary resolution on an independent and sovereign Palestine
  8. ^ "Iceland recognises Palestinian state". The Guardian. 2011-11-30. Archived from the original on 2023-05-17.
  9. ^ a b Iceland capital retracting decision to boycott Israeli goods
  10. ^ "Reykjavík getting food delivered by Israeli drones". The Times of Israel.
  11. ^ Örn Vilhjálmsson, Vilhjálmur. "Iceland, the Jews, and Anti-Semitism, 1625-2004". Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  12. ^ Manfred, Gerstenfeld (10 July 2018). "Iceland, Israel, and the Jews: A Largely Negative History". BESA Center. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Musicians in Iceland call for Israel to be excluded from 2024 Eurovision Song Contest". The Standard. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  14. ^ "FTT Urges RÚV to Boycott Eurovision if Israel Competes". icelandreview.com. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  15. ^ Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Israel
  16. ^ Embassy of Israel in Norway
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