In recent years he managed to create some controversy when he criticized former prime minister and party colleague Kåre Willoch, calling him "the most biased person in the country," on account of Willoch's views on the Middle East and his criticism of Israeli politics.
Viimastel aastatel äratas ta tähelepanu sellega, et nimetas oma erakonnakaaslast, endist ministrit ja Høyre juhti Kåre Willochit "kõige eelarvamuslikumaks inimeseks kogu maal", käsitledes Willochi vaateid Lähis-Ida konfliktile ja tema kriitikat Iisraeli suhtes.