Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stirred controversy in Morocco on Wednesday after displaying a map during a press conference that marked the southern region of Morocco as “Western Sahara.”
This incident has triggered anger on social media, with many Moroccans accusing Netanyahu and his government of repeated “provocations” despite Israel’s official recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.
The controversy began after Netanyahu used the disputed map while discussing security concerns in the Philadelphi Corridor, which separates Egypt from Gaza.
However, it wasn’t the first time the Israeli leader made a similar error. In May, during an interview on French television, he showed a map of Morocco that also excluded the Moroccan Sahara.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry had apologized for that incident, calling it a “technical mistake,” and reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s claim over the region.
Moroccan social media users quickly condemned Netanyahu’s latest misstep. Some accused the Israeli government of insincerity regarding its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
“We don’t care. The Sahara is Moroccan whether you recognize it or not,” wrote one user on the platform X (formerly Twitter), while another commented, “Isn’t this the same ‘justification’ that was used last time?”
In response to the backlash, Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the error on X and reiterated that Israel recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Moroccan Sahara.
On the “Atlas” map presented during the Prime Minister’s statement today, the name “Western Sahara” was mistakenly displayed in the territory of Morocco.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 4, 2024
It is important to note that on the map in the Prime Minister’s office, only Morocco’s name appears on the entire specific area.
Israel reaffirms its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 4, 2024
However, the clarification did little to calm the frustration of many Moroccans, who view the repeated incidents as deliberate and disrespectful.
The timing of the controversy adds to the tension between the two countries. Although Israel and Morocco restored diplomatic relations in December 2020, ties have been strained since the outbreak of the Israeli aggressions on Gaza.
The political and public mood in Morocco has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s policies, further complicating the fragile relationship.
In July 2023, Netanyahu formally recognized Morocco’s claim over its Sahara in a letter to King Mohammed VI, promising that Israel’s stance would be reflected in all its international diplomatic engagements.
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