Israeli officials, Western pundits welcome recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara

The Israeli recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara continues to reverberate positively among the Israeli political class and Western pundits as a major turning point towards the diplomatic end of an artificial-conflict that has long-lasted.

Right after the letter by Prime Minister Netanyahu to King Mohammed VI announcing the new position in support of Morocco, Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen said the move “will strengthen the relations between the countries and between the peoples and the continuation of cooperation to deepen regional peace and stability”.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC), a powerful Israeli lobby, welcomed the decision and lauded the efforts by King Mohammed VI to advance ties between the two countries.

Speaking to MAP, Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer of the American Jewish Committee recalled the visit by an AJC delegation to the city of Dakhla, noting that this trip is part of his organization’s support to the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its Sahara.

Former US ambassador to Rabat David Fisher posted on his twitter a picture depicting him signing a Moroccan map including its southern provinces.

“Today is the day … When I signed the map, I knew the day would come to celebrate HM King Mohammed VI receiving a letter from Prime Minister Netanyahu, recognizing the sovereignty of Morocco over the territory of Western Saraha. Today is that day!,” he said in his tweet.

While France’s Macron drags his feet on the Sahara issue, President of Républicains party Eric Ciotti welcomed the Israeli recognition saying “Morocco’s sovereignty is unnegotiable,” urging France to take a similar move.

Member of the European Parliament Tomáš Zdechovský said the decision was historic and would “help speed up the settlement of this conflict in favor of a peaceful region”.

The Israeli position on the Sahara is “logical and extremely important”, said Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the D.C-based Foreign Policy Council.

This recognition is “the most effective way” for Morocco and Israel to foster their partnership, Ilan Berman said adding that this Israeli decision ushers in a new era of bilateral cooperation.