Morocco has announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed its claim to the disputed territory of Western Sahara. This development has the potential to enhance relations between the two countries, following the restoration of ties brokered by the United States three years ago.
According to the Moroccan cabinet, Netanyahu also views the opening of an Israeli consulate in the Western Saharan city of Dakhla in a positive light. This endorsement is significant as it aligns with Morocco's stance in the long-standing conflict over Western Sahara.
The dispute over Western Sahara dates back to 1975 when Morocco annexed the former Spanish colony. The indigenous Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front based in Algeria, have been seeking independence ever since. This has led to a low-key military confrontation between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
The announcement by Morocco comes at a crucial time, as it could potentially strengthen the diplomatic efforts initiated by the Trump administration in 2020. The Abraham Accords, which included the normalization of relations between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, looked uncertain after Morocco postponed a regional foreign ministers' meeting in protest against Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
This endorsement from Israel could provide a renewed impetus for dialogue and cooperation between Morocco and Israel, fostering greater stability in the region. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the ongoing conflict and the broader dynamics between the parties involved.