Israeli Minister's Planned Visit to Morocco Amidst Tensions
Recent reports from i24News indicate that Michel Buskila, the newly appointed Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel, is preparing for a visit to Morocco. This trip marks a significant moment as it would be the first visit by an official of such high rank since diplomatic relations between the two nations entered a challenging phase, particularly following the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The announcement arrives shortly after Buskila's recent appointment, succeeding Sharren Haskel, who resigned in protest against a new law that exempts Haredi Jews from military service.
Signs of Renewed Cooperation
The potential visit also coincides with a crucial development in the airline sector, as Israeli airline Arkia has recently announced the resumption of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech. This is set to include two weekly flights, a significant revival after nearly three years of suspension. The resumption of these flights could signify a thaw in the relations between Morocco and Israel, which have seen a notable decline since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023. During this period, official visits and direct flights between the two countries were halted, although military cooperation remained ongoing. Since the normalization of diplomatic ties in December 2020, the bilateral relationship had flourished across various sectors, including economy, investment, tourism, security, and defense, but has now cooled due to the recent events surrounding the Gaza conflict.
Following Israel's military actions in Gaza, Morocco has publicly expressed support for the Palestinian people, leading to numerous marches and demonstrations in solidarity across the country. Humanitarian aid has also been dispatched to assist the residents of Gaza, reflecting Morocco's ongoing commitment to the Palestinian cause amidst these complex diplomatic dynamics.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
