Israel, Morocco agree to open embassies, step up cooperation after US talks

The two countries established ties in 2020 as part of the US-led Abraham Accords, under which several Arab states normalised relations with Israel. 

Under that arrangement, Morocco restored official relations with Israel, while the United States recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Israel is one of Washington's closest security allies, while Morocco is a longstanding US security and diplomatic partner and a designated major non-NATO ally, a status that gives it defence cooperation privileges.

On Wednesday, Morocco's foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar met in New York alongside US ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz. 

At the meeting, Israel and Morocco reaffirmed their commitment to measures including "upgrading diplomatic relations between the two countries, elevating their respective diplomatic missions to the level of embassies, and the appointment of ambassadors", an Israeli foreign ministry statement said.

Israel recognises Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, mulls opening consulate

A joint statement released by the US mission to the UN on behalf of all three countries said they believed that the "establishment of full diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations between Morocco and Israel is in the common interest of both countries and will advance the cause of peace".

The statements did not offer a timeline for the establishment of the embassies. Israel previously made a similar announcement in June 2022 during a visit to Morocco by then foreign minister Yair Lapid.

The two countries also said after Wednesday's meeting they would conclude a series of economic agreements by year's end, while the Israeli statement added that "high-level reciprocal visits between the two countries will take place in the coming months".

Tension over Palestinian cause

Since the normalisation of ties in 2020, cooperation has increased in trade, tourism, security, agriculture, technology and cultural exchanges, as well as direct flights.

Morocco has a long Jewish heritage and hosts one of the largest remaining Jewish communities in the Arab world.

Because of these ties, Morocco has been often viewed as one of the Arab countries most capable of maintaining channels of communication with Israel despite political disagreements over the years.

Ceuta and Western Sahara at heart of US-Morocco rapprochement

The main tensions stem from the outbreak of the Second Intifada – the Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule – in 2000, when Morocco suspended its official diplomatic contacts with Israel.

One major factor was public sentiment, with many Moroccans strongly identifying with the Palestinian cause. Protests have frequently occurred during periods of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Even after normalisation in 2020, demonstrations continued, particularly following the Gaza war that began after October 2023.

The international community, including several Arab governments, has expressed concern over the violence, but the United States has remained largely quiet on the issue, saying only that the US government opposes any annexation of Palestinian territory.

(with newswires)