Israel and Morocco Elevate Diplomatic Relations
In a significant diplomatic advancement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar convened with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in the United States on Wednesday. This meeting, which coincided with the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, aimed to foster and deepen the bilateral relationship between Israel and Morocco. Hosted by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz in New York, the discussions were centered around a series of agreements designed to elevate the diplomatic status of both nations.
One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the mutual agreement to appoint ambassadors and transition their diplomatic missions into fully operational embassies. This move signifies a commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing diplomatic engagement. Furthermore, the ministers agreed to expand flight connections between the two countries, initiate high-level visits in the upcoming months, and finalize investment and tax agreements by the end of this year. Sa’ar emphasized the historical connections between the Moroccan and Jewish peoples, stating, "The declaration we signed today outlines practical ways to upgrade ties between Israel and Morocco for the benefit of both peoples, and we will work to implement it."
Resuming Connections Amid Challenges
The backdrop of this meeting is notable, especially considering that direct flights between Israel and Morocco had only just resumed last month after a hiatus following the tragic Hamas-led terror attacks on October 7, 2023. These attacks had led Israeli airlines to suspend their services to Morocco, a popular destination for Israeli tourists prior to the escalation of violence. The Moroccan Tourism Ministry had reported that around 200,000 Israelis visited the country in the year preceding the conflict.
Despite the turbulence following the attacks, the relationship between Jerusalem and Rabat has remained resilient, albeit largely behind a veil of discretion. The Moroccan envoy to Israel has refrained from public appearances in light of the widespread anti-Israel sentiment that has surged within Morocco since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Nevertheless, Moroccan authorities have taken action against anti-Israel activists who have criticized the bilateral ties and who have shown support for violent acts against Israel.
In January, a pivotal joint military work plan for 2026 was signed between Israel and Morocco, marking the third session of their Joint Military Committee. This plan is indicative of Morocco's role as a crucial partner for regional stability as both nations continue to explore avenues for defense cooperation. The discussions during the meeting focused on strategic objectives and collaborative efforts between their military forces, highlighting the importance of this partnership in ensuring regional peace.
As reported by timesofisrael.com.
