Israel to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara – media reports

Israel is on the way to announce a formal recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara, according to Israeli media.

The issue is at the heart of a visit to Morocco by Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi who met on Wednesday Morocco’s foreign minister Nasser Bourita.

Israel’s transport minister Miri Regev, said last week at the end of her visit to Rabat that her country will announce its position on the matter soon as it recognizes the importance of the Sahara issue to the Moroccan people.

Afterwards, head of Israel’s diplomatic mission in Rabat Shai Cohen said the foreign ministries of the two countries will make a joint declaration on the issue.

Previously, Israeli officials have oscillated between backing Morocco outrightly or the vague position of backing the UN process that has so far led nowhere to a settlement of the regional dispute.

The recognition of Morocco’s full sovereignty over the Sahara, and any tangible move to materialize that recognition such as the opening of a consulate, is in line with the trilateral deal supervised by the Trump administration which acknowledged the Sahara as Moroccan in return for a resumption of ties with Israel.

Reuters also reported that such an Israeli decision would pave the way for a full upgrade of ties with the two countries opening embassies instead of liaison offices.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference on Israel’s national day, Ambassador Cohen said the two countries are also interested in a Free Trade Agreement, noting that trade has grown to 180 million dollars with a balance in Morocco’s favor.

He highlighted the increasing Israeli investments in the fields of irrigation technology and defense, citing cooperation in defense technology.