Swedish Parties Back Stronger Action

A majority of Swedish parliamentary parties back significantly stronger action to address Israeli government abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territory than current policy reflects. Six civil society organizations released a survey of party positions on September 2, 2026, ahead of the national election scheduled for September 13.

The survey was a joint initiative by Act Church of Sweden, Amnesty International Sweden, Diakonia, Human Rights Watch, the Swedish Fellowship of Reconciliation, and the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society. Seven of the eight parties in the Riksdag, Sweden's parliament, provided responses. The Sweden Democrats, the second-largest party, did not participate.

Christina Abdulahad, an advocacy officer at Human Rights Watch, stated the survey provides crucial information on the steps Sweden needs to take. "It is crucial for Sweden's next government, whatever its composition, to bring Swedish policy in line with its international legal obligations," Abdulahad said.

The parties were asked to state positions on Sweden's obligations under international law, including the UN Genocide Convention, International Court of Justice advisory opinions, and International Criminal Court arrest warrants. The questions covered a range of potential policy measures.

Broad Support for Key Measures

All seven responding parties expressed support for Sweden's obligation to enforce ICC arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. All seven also backed targeted European Union sanctions against individuals responsible for atrocity crimes.

Four of the seven parties supported additional, more concrete actions. These include implementing a national ban on trade with Israeli settlements, suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and restoring core funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Divergence on Policy Details

On several other issues, a clear divide emerged between the government coalition and the opposition parties. The opposition supports a national ban on settlement trade if the EU cannot agree on a bloc-wide prohibition. It also backs suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, conducting a comprehensive review of Swedish relations with Israel, and restoring UNRWA funding.

The issue of arms imports and exports remains the most contested. Positions differ across all responding parties, suggesting this area is particularly politically sensitive. The overall results indicate that Swedish foreign policy toward Israel could shift depending on the outcome of the September 2026 election.

The Non-Responding Party's Stance

The Sweden Democrats, which did not respond to the survey, has publicly stated its opposition to suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement. The party has also called for a review and termination of all Swedish funding to Palestinian organizations.

Erik Lysén, director of Act Church of Sweden, commented on the survey's findings. "The survey shows that there is broad political consensus on fundamental principles, such as support for the ICC," Lysén said. He noted it is encouraging that several parties wish to introduce a national settlement trade ban, aligning with other European countries.

Lysén emphasized that upholding international law transcends traditional political divides. He framed it as a responsibility to protect people, prevent conflicts, and safeguard a rules-based international order. The civil society groups have now published the full results for voters to consider ahead of the election.