Israeli- Moroccan relations have undergone a myriad of fluctuations in recent years, from the signing of the Abraham Accords to Israel’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
Rabat’s adoption of a new approach towards Israel precipitated a shift in the framework of alignments and prompted a heated public debate on the future of the Palestine cause
On Monday, Morocco’s royal cabinet announced that Israel’s Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu informed King Mohammed VI that Israel recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed region of Western.
Israel also announced that it is mulling opening a consulate in the southern province of Dakhla, reiterating its full support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the southern provinces in the Western Sahara region.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Netanyahu’s announcement would “strengthen the relations between the states and peoples, as well as the continued cooperation to enhance peace and regional stability”.
In a statement to Hespress, Gharbi Mohammed, Professor of International Relations at the University of Tangier said that Israel’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region is ‘’ not an unexpected move’’, for the recent relational developments between the two parties were indications of potential strong cooperation between Israel and Morocco on many levels.
He explained that‘’ the recent developments in the Israeli-Moroccan relations will not affect Morocco’s firm position on the Palestinian cause nor its support of the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’’, emphasizing the kingdom’s abiding commitment to support the Palestinian population and their independence.
‘’Despite the fact that Morocco took a new path in its foreign relations, the paramount importance it attaches to the defence of the Palestinian cause and Al-Quds Acharif remain unchanged,’’ he stressed.
Rabat’s establishment of diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv and Israel’s recognition of the Morocaness of Western Sahara are believed to be essential to create a strong union against regional security threats and hostile actors.
Mohammed stressed that the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara by Israel will help restore peace in the region and weaken terrorist and separatist movements
The dispute over Western Sahara dates back to 1975, when colonial ruler Spain withdrew from the territory, causing a 15-year war between Morocco and the separatist Polisario Front movement. Rabat maintains control over nearly 80% of Western Sahara and believes that the entire region, characterized by abundant phosphates and fisheries, is its legitimate territory.
While the Algeria-backed Polisario struggles to secure full independence, Rabat holds a firm stance on restrictions of autonomy for the vast desert territory. Since late 2020, the Polisario says it has been in “a war of legitimate defence” and has declared the entire Western Sahara, including its land, sea and airspace, a “war zone.”
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