Norway's Wealth Fund Excludes Companies Over West Bank Ties

Norway's sovereign wealth fund has excluded six companies linked to the West Bank and Gaza from its investments following a review of its Israeli stake. The $2 trillion fund will reveal the names post-divestment and continues to regularly assess Israeli firms for ethical compliance.

Norway's sovereign wealth fund, recognized as the world's largest, announced on Monday its decision to exclude six companies with ties to the West Bank and Gaza from its investment portfolio. This move comes after a comprehensive review of its Israeli investments.

The fund, valued at $2 trillion, refrained from naming the excluded companies, but stated that their identities would be disclosed following the completion of the divestment process. This revelation succeeded a rapid review triggered by recent reports of the fund's investment in an Israeli company that maintains Israel's fighter jets.

The fund's ethics council has assured that it will continue to scrutinize Israeli companies on a quarterly basis to ensure adherence to ethical standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)