Considered one of the most pronounced conservative Norwegian politicians in his time, he has in later years shifted his position in many areas and has become known for his advocacy of human rights and environmental issues. He has taken issue with the "culture of greed", "tax paradises', the environment and has criticised Israel's policies toward Palestinians, stating that the occupation of and settlement on Palestinian land (outside the 1967 borders) is unlawful. The extent of the political left's newfound respect for Willoch after he left office was summarised by social democrat former government minister Hallvard Bakke, who when criticising Willoch's defense of some of his policies regarding the surveillance of communists in the 1980s noted that Willoch has become the most important voice on the Middle East conflict and many other issues, but that "Willoch isn't "always" right".