In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Norway's National Police Commissioner Håkon Skulstad implemented the national arming of police officers across the country, Norwegian media reported. Following a new threat assessment from the Police Security Service (PST), the decision aims to strengthen security and ensure a rapid response if necessary.

"This is a preventive measure to strengthen security in a situation with increased risk of attacks against certain targets in Norway," stated Skulstad in a press release, according to Nettavisen.

Police officers on duty nationwide will now carry firearms at all times.

Norway updates threat assessment amid Israel-Iran clashes

PST updated its threat assessment on Friday, hours after Israel launched a series of attacks against Iran. These attacks are the largest on Iranian soil since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, according to Dagbladet.

"The threat is primarily directed at targets such as embassies and consulates, in addition to individuals with a clear connection to Israel, partially also the US," said Eirik Veum, a senior adviser at PST, according to Dagbladet.

Police work at the scene after a man in his 40s and two police officers were injured in a shootout, in Klepp, Norway, December 28, 2024. (credit: NTB/Carina Johansen via REUTERS)
Police work at the scene after a man in his 40s and two police officers were injured in a shootout, in Klepp, Norway, December 28, 2024. (credit: NTB/Carina Johansen via REUTERS)

Veum also emphasized the potential risks to Jewish communities. "The threat is primarily directed at synagogues, but may also include other targets with a clear Jewish identity," he said, noting that Jewish targets may be affected as they are often associated with Israel, as reported by Dagbladet.

Several police districts have already implemented measures to protect Israeli and Jewish institutions. "Other districts are assessing measures based on local conditions. The Police Directorate is closely following the situation in the Middle East and has ongoing dialogue with PST and the police districts. We are continuously assessing the need for further measures," added Skulstad, according to Nettavisen.

Despite the enhanced security measures, PST's overall assessment is that the threat of terrorist attacks in Norway remains unchanged. "It is important to emphasize that the general terror threat level remains moderate," stated PST, according to Bergens Tidende.

"The police are present to ensure the safety of the population. We encourage everyone to live normally, while being aware and reporting suspicious activity," wrote Skulstad in a statement, according to Nettavisen.

This article was written with a news-analysis system.