Israel recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara

A new victory for Moroccan diplomacy

Israel’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara is a bold and historic one, which should inspire all those countries that do not yet recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.

This recognition is a repositioning of international legality and Morocco’s legitimate rights over its southern provinces, a territory that has always historically belonged to the Cherifian Kingdom.

In our opinion, this decision will have a very positive echo in Africa, Europe and the Americas, as certain countries that are still in a gray area will find themselves forced to adopt a clearer position.

Growing international support for the Moroccan Sahara has become a continental and international reality, as evidenced by the various countries, in particular, from all continents that have already opened Consulates General in the Sahara region. The United States has recognized the Moroccan Sahara, while Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and many other countries have supported the Moroccan autonomy plan.

Morocco, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, presented the autonomy plan for the Sahara in April 2007, “as a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution”.

This initiative is now considered by the international community as the most serious, realistic and plausible basis for resolving the dispute.

It should be noted that a statement from the Royal Cabinet announced on July 17 that His Majesty King Mohammed VI had received a letter from the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benyamin Netanyahu, in which he brought to the Sovereign’s Very High Attention his country’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.

He also stressed that this decision would be “transmitted to the United Nations, to regional and international organizations of which Israel is a member, and to all countries with which Israel maintains diplomatic relations”.

In his letter to the Sovereign, the Prime Minister informed that Israel is positively considering “the opening of a consulate in the town of Dakhla”, as part of the implementation of this State decision.

In response to this letter, HM the King emphasized in a message addressed to Benyamin Netanyahu, that his country’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and to consider favorably the opening of a Consulate in Dakhla is “both just and far-sighted”.

It should be pointed out that this decision in no way signifies a change in Morocco’s constant position of support for the Palestinian cause. On the contrary, it represents an instrument of rapprochement that will serve the cause of peace in the Middle East, and in particular the Palestinian issue.