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Rabat – Amir Ohana, the Speaker of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, has urged his country to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
“As a native of this land [Morocco], I openly declare that Israel must recognize the Moroccanness of the Sahara,” Ohana said.
The Knesset speaker arrived in Morocco on Wednesday, the first-of-a-kind visit for a Knesset speaker to a Muslim country.
A “serious discussion” and consultations are underway within the Israeli government to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, Ohana said, stressing that Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce a decision on this matter in the coming months.
The Israeli official emphasized that Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara is backed by history.
“It’s not only me who says it, I believe history says it too. I think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will announce this decision in the near future,” he said.
Ohana held a series of meetings with high-level Moroccan officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Speaker of the House of Retentatives Rachid Talbi Alami.
The Israeli official stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in different sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and security.
Amid Ohana’s visit, several international media outlets – including Reuters – reported on Israel’s potential announcement to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Reuters quoted a diplomatic source as saying that consultations are underway on Israel’s plans to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
“A diplomatic source told Reuters such a move by Israel could lead to an upgrade of bilateral ties, with the countries’ respective missions, currently designated as liaison offices, becoming economic embassies, and a free-trade pact possible down the line,” Reuters said.
