Rabat – Israel is reportedly planning to recognize Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Western Sahara region.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana arrived on Wednesday in Morocco to hold a series of meetings and bilateral talks with senior Moroccan officials.
During the visit, Ohana is expected to officially announce the Knesset’s recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces, Le360 quoted authorized sources as saying.
Reuters also corroborated the news, quoting “a diplomatic source” on Wednesday
“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.
If confirmed, Israel will join a growing list of countries that support Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
Bilateral ties between Israel and Morocco have been strengthened since the two countries decided to re-establish relations in December 2020. Since then, both countries have reiterated their determination to continue to boost cooperation at all levels – particularly in the security, trade, and technology sectors.
In a speech in August 2022, King Mohammed VI shared his gratitude with all countries that openly expressed support for Morocco’s position in the Western Sahara dispute.
He recalled that many countries of imperative political weight expressed their support for Morocco’s position as well as for the country’s Autonomy Plan as the only basis to resolve the dispute.
Stressing the importance of the US’ decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region, King Mohammed VI said that this firm position “has been a source of real motivation – a position that is not affected by a change of Administration, nor is it influenced by new circumstances.”
The US made its decision in December 2020. In 2022, Spain decided to endorse Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible political solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara.
