Israel and Morocco to Open Embassies Following Diplomatic Normalization

In a significant development for international diplomacy, Israel and Morocco have announced plans to open embassies in each other's countries, a move confirmed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on September 16, 2026. This announcement came during a meeting in New York between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, facilitated by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz. This step marks a notable evolution in the diplomatic relations between the two nations, which normalized ties back in December 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, a landmark agreement brokered with U.S. support.

Strengthening Economic and Diplomatic Relations

During this recent meeting, the representatives from Israel, Morocco, and the United States underscored their commitment to a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the relationship between Israel and Morocco. These initiatives include elevating their diplomatic missions to the status of embassies and appointing ambassadors to enhance formal diplomatic engagement. Although specific timelines for establishing these embassies have not yet been disclosed, the move is expected to foster closer ties.

Additionally, plans for economic agreements between Israel and Morocco are set to be finalized by the end of 2026, alongside the expansion of direct flight connections between the two nations. Gideon Saar emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the Moroccan and Jewish people, highlighting the potential for these agreements to significantly enhance mutual relations for the benefit of both societies. Historically, diplomatic relations were established in the early 1990s but were severed during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s. The normalization process initiated in 2020 has since accelerated cooperation across various sectors including military, security, trade, and tourism.

Despite the recent outbreak of violence in Gaza, which has sparked large-scale protests in Morocco advocating for Palestinian rights, the Moroccan government has officially called for an end to hostilities without retracting its normalization with Israel. This highlights the complex dynamics at play as both countries navigate their diplomatic and public sentiments in the context of regional tensions.

As reported by leparisien.fr.