Israel linked its imminent decision to accept the Moroccan claim on Western Sahara to Morocco hosting a U.S.-sponsored regional normalization summit.
In 2020, Morocco and Israel strengthened ties when Trump recognized Rabat’s authority over Western Sahara, where the Algeria-backed Polisario Front wants an independent state. Trump’s successor, Joe Biden, hasn’t opened a consulate there.
Diplomatic sources say Morocco may establish complete relations with Israel by repurposing its mid-level diplomatic offices as embassies in exchange for Israeli recognition of Morocco’s claim.
Morocco postponed the Negev Forum of Israel and Arab governments last month, criticizing Israeli policy on Palestinians.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the meeting would decide what Israel wanted in exchange for Western Sahara’s admission as Moroccan and whether it would open a consulate there.
“We are right now working in regards to this issue and our plan is to have our final decision in the Negev Forum,” he told reporters, expecting the Moroccan-hosted event to take place in September or October.
