Discussions on the Future Normalization of Relations between Morocco and Israel

After the historic agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel under the lead of the United States, many rumors about a future normalization with another Arab country have been circulating. Indeed, several Israeli and American newspapers have spoken of Morocco as a potential signatory of a peace agreement and full normalization with the Hebrew state. In return, under pressure from Washington, Morocco will be given recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. These rumors are reinforced by the historical ties between the two countries and the connection between Moroccan Jews and the kingdom, who have always supported and protected them even after their immigration to Israel.

The “Washington Post” reported, according to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and one of the most important advisers of U.S. President Donald Trump, that the historic agreement (between Israel and the Emirates) will be a strong catalyst for initiating relations between Israel and other Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia. Officials from the US Foreign Ministry told the same newspaper that other normalizations are on the horizon, notably with Oman, Bahrain and Morocco.

The Israeli media mentioned a list of countries that could follow the UAE’s lead and sign a peace agreement with Israel, including Morocco, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The newspaper “Times of Israel” predicted that Morocco will be the next Arab country to sign the peace agreement with the Hebrew state, which was promoted by the media during the visit of U.S. adviser Jared Kushner to Morocco, in order to promote the deal of the century.

Kushner, whose origins are Jewish, said at a press conference that the U.S. administration is negotiating with Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel and that this will be announced in the coming months. For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the same thing.

Since the time of the late HM King Hassan II, Morocco has been considered an Arab country with good relations with Israel, especially with the presence of a large number of Jews of Moroccan origin residing there and holding important positions, and who regularly visit Morocco.