WhatsappDespite the fact that Morocco’s PM has already stated that he will refuse to meet Israel’s FM Yair Lapid on the latter’s upcoming visit to the North African country, Morocco and Israel normalization continues.
Morocco’s addition to the Abraham Accords was never a surprise as the Muslim country’s king has always favored a more open relationship between the two countries. Morocco has a small but integrated Jewish populace with little antisemitism from the surrounding Muslim population.
For centuries Jews have prospered in the country and only at the time of the founding of Israel did things change. However, unlike other Muslim majority countries where all of their Jewish populations fled to Israel, a small percentage of Jews remained in Morocco.
Why Is Morocco Key?
Unlike other Arab countries who have normalized ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords, Morocco’s agreement to the accord came at recognition of its control over disputed territory. The Trump administration essentially recognized Morocco’s control over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco agreeing to normalize ties with Israel. While the Biden administration has now pulled this back, the recognition gives a way forward for the “Palestinian” and Israel dispute.
Will another President come and recognize Israel’s control over Judea and Samaria? Perhaps. They would have Morocco’s control over Western Sahara to thank.
