Rabat – David Govrin, Head of Israel’s Rabat Liaison Office implicated in allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace irregularities, is set to resume duties amid calls from human rights organizations threatening to launch a sit-in strike.
The scandal-riddled diplomate announced his return to Morocco in a tweet yesterday that reads: “If you cannot speak the truth, do not clap for falsehood *.”
“I am very happy to return to my second country, dear Morocco, to complete my noble missions that seek to strengthen and value the ties between the two countries,” the tweet continues. Attached to the tweet is a picture of Govrin with his spouse.
Govrin was recalled to Israel in September 2022 due to allegations of workplace irregularities and sexual misconduct. Govrin was suspended while the Israeli Foreign Ministry launched an investigation into the reported sexual and financial violations.
The allegations involved exploitation and harassment of Moroccan women at the Rabat Liaison Office, conflicts of interest, and mishandling of workplace disputes.
The investigation directly implicates Govrin in some of the claims. In addition to the sexual misconduct allegations, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dispatched a special delegation to Rabat to probe the mishandling of an official gift from the Moroccan Royal Family to Israel.
The gift, received by the Liaison Office on Israeli Independence Day, was not appropriately reported to the Foreign Ministry and remains unaccounted for.
As of date, the results of the Israeli’s Foreign Affairs Ministry’s investigation remains undisclosed.
Read also: Israeli Diplomat Accused of Sexual Misconduct to Return to Morocco
Reacting to the news of Govrin’s return, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) has threatened to launch an open sit-in before the Public Prosecution should the Israeli official resume his duties.
“In principle, we are against any relations with Israel, and we will follow up on the issue of rape and harassment, even if we are forced to enter into an open sit-in before the Public Prosecution Office until it follows it up, and the judiciary must bear its responsibility,” Aziz Ghali, head of the AMDH, said during a press point held in Rabat last month.
AMDH has filed a complaint against Govrin, but “we were told that he had left Morocco, but now if he returns, an investigation must be opened,” he added.
For the past four months, Govrin was replaced by Shai Cohen. On Sunday, however, Cohen announced on Twitter completing his mission in Rabat and returning to Israel.
“Today I finish my mission in Morocco, and I share with you expressions of thanks after 4 months as the head of the Israeli liaison office in Rabat,” Cohen’s tweet reads. “During these months, I was very proud of our bilateral achievements and the positive developments.”
