Israel-Morocco Relations Strengthened with Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty over Western Sahara

Abegail Jacob
2 min readJul 18, 2023

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In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed plans to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over a region in Western Sahara. The announcement came in the form of a letter addressed to King Mohammed VI, as reported by Morocco’s Map state news agency. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s official position on this matter would be clearly reflected in all relevant government works and documents.

The decision by Netanyahu to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over a part of Western Sahara is a notable milestone in the deepening ties between the two nations. This move follows the normalization agreement signed between Israel and Morocco in December 2020, which laid the foundation for expanded cooperation and diplomatic relations.

The recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara carries significant geopolitical implications. The Western Sahara region has been a longstanding point of contention between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the indigenous Sahrawi people. Israel’s recognition of Morocco’s claim to the territory could potentially impact the ongoing negotiations and dynamics surrounding the Western Sahara conflict.

Netanyahu’s commitment to embody Israel’s position in official government documents underscores the importance and permanence of this decision. By formalizing their stance on Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, Israel solidifies its support for the Moroccan claim and sends a clear message about the depth of their bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement regarding the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over a region in Western Sahara highlights the strengthening ties between Israel and Morocco. This development has broader implications for the Western Sahara conflict and the region as a whole. The full extent of the consequences stemming from this decision will become clearer as it unfolds, shaping the dynamics between the involved parties and potentially influencing future negotiations and resolutions.

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Abegail Jacob

Inspiring writer, political researcher, and fiction writer who encourages young people