Officials said on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s national security adviser visited Rabat to discuss recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Western Sahara is claimed by Morocco, but Algeria-backed Polisario wants it to be independent. In exchange for a partial rapprochement with Israel, then-US President Donald Trump recognized Morocco’s rule over the territory in 2020.
Israel’s move to Western Sahara could result in its diplomatic missions, which are currently liaison offices, becoming embassies and a free-trade agreement with Rabat.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry did not respond. According to a Netanyahu cabinet source, the NSC is discussing it.
Morocco’s foreign ministry reported on Wednesday that NSC head Tzachi Hanegbi met with Nasser Bourita.
According to the head of Israel’s diplomatic mission in Rabat, the Israeli and Moroccan foreign ministries are discussing Western Sahara, and “the final decision will be made by both our ministers.”
Moroccan diplomacy has been strengthened by Trump’s recognition of and support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan.
THE NEGEV FORUM
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Wednesday that Abraham Accords countries would meet in Morocco “within weeks.”
He did not specify a date or location for the “Negev Forum” on Israel’s Kan radio station.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stated at the meeting, “I hope we will meet very soon in a different desert but with the same spirit.”
Moroccan media suggested that the meeting take place in Dakhla, Western Sahara. The location and time of the event have yet to be announced by Rabat.
Because Washington has yet to follow through on Trump’s promise to open a consulate in Western Sahara, holding it in coastal Dakhla may be difficult.
In Dakhla or Laayoune, 28 countries have done so, which Morocco sees as support for its Western Saharan rule. The Abraham Accord is signed by Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The Gulf nations back Morocco’s claim to sovereignty.
