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Israel and Morocco normalized their diplomatic relations, in an agreement reached with the help of the United States. Morocco thus becomes the fourth Arab country to recognize Israel’s sovereignty in recent months, after Bahrain, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates.
The deal was announced by Donald Trump on Twitter, describing it as a “historic turning point for peace in the Middle East.” Both the King of Morocco, Muhammad VI, and the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have confirmed that they have reached an agreement. Morocco will establish official diplomatic relations with Israel and facilitate economic exchanges. Israeli planes will be able to enter Moroccan airspace and routes between the two countries will be opened.
Another HISTORICAL advance today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations, a breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2020
The United States also recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony occupied by Morocco but disputed by the Polisario Front, a group backed by neighboring Algeria, which has declared its independence. The UN defines Western Sahara as a “disputed territory” and has been trying to organize a self-determination referendum for years, to no avail. The recognition of the United States strengthens the position of Morocco.
– Read also: The agreement between Israel and the UAE, well explained
Speaking to reporters, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and his adviser on many issues, including foreign policy, said that it is now inevitable that Saudi Arabia, the main Arab power in the region, will also recognize Israel. By the way, the Trump administration has put a lot of pressure on the Saudi kingdom, to no avail for now.
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