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Rabat – Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has issued a statement attempting to clarify the controversial map the Israeli Prime Minister displayed during a press conference on Wednesday.
Netanyahu had shown a map labeled “Western Sahara” within the territory of Morocco, provoking widespread anger among Moroccans. The supposed error contradicted Israel’s stated recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the region.
Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the mistake in a post on X, stating: “On the ‘Atlas’ map presented during the Prime Minister’s statement today, the name ‘Western Sahara’ was mistakenly displayed in the territory of Morocco.”
The statement added, “It is important to note that on the map in the Prime Minister’s office, only Morocco’s name appears on the entire specific area.”
The Prime Minister’s office said that “Israel reaffirms its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.”
This attempt to clarify the situation follows months of tension over similar incidents. In both October 2023 and May 2024, Netanyahu presented maps that either excluded the Moroccan Sahara or labeled it separately, sparking outrage and accusations of intentional provocation.
Each time, the Israeli government issued apologies, but the repeated incidents have cast doubt over Israel’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Critics remain unconvinced by the latest explanation. Many Moroccans see this as part of a pattern of disrespect, with Netanyahu’s office issuing corrections after the damage has already been done.
“So, it was just a mistake? If you’re making these kinds of ‘mistakes,’ maybe being Prime Minister isn’t the right role for you. Stop hiding behind excuses. The people deserve honesty, not lies,” reads a comment on the office’s post.
Others questioned the sincerity of Israel’s supposed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, given the repeated mishandling of the sensitive issue. “Mistakes happen one time. 4 times it’s a strategy,” another commenter lamented.
The statement from Netanyahu’s office does not seem enough to quell the ongoing frustrations in Morocco, with many citizens demanding more than just apologies for what they see as continued affronts to their country’s territorial integrity.
