Norway has proposed a bill to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, with the government launching a consultation process on the measure. Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are in breach of international law. According to Middle East Eye, the proposed bill would prohibit Norwegian citizens and companies from profiting from or supporting these settlements, and would ban Norwegian exports to and imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Eide, as reported by Middle East Eye, said the settlements contribute to displacement and violence, and hinder a peaceful solution. The Times of Israel reported that Eide also stated the settlements undermine the very foundations of the Palestinian state. The Israeli government has built Israeli settlements at a rapid pace, according to Middle East Eye.