Following the normalization of ties between the Jewish State and Morocco, a Moroccan delegation arrived in Israel this week.
Approximately 20 years ago, Morocco’s diplomatic office was closed in Israel following the Arab nation’s decision to support the Palestinian cause. And now, near the end of what has been arguably one of the most rollercoaster-like years of the still-young century, serious changes are likely to take place. Of course, this became possible when the two countries normalized their diplomatic ties just weeks ago in a deal brokered by the White House.
The three-person delegation arrived from Morocco on Sunday and is reported to be in pursuit of reopening its diplomatic office. Israel has also reopened its office in Rabat, Morocco. This follows Senior White House Advisor Jared Kushner’s visit to Rabat last week when it was agreed that both countries would reopen their offices in the next 14 days.
Additionally, during Kushner’s visit to Morocco, the countries signed agreements concerning finance, visa exemption, water, and even flight travel. Several airlines, both Israeli and Moroccan, have already committed to implementing weekly flights in the coming weeks and months.
As Israel has done with other Arab countries that it has normalized ties with in recent months, it is seeking out economic agreements that can be implemented as soon as possible.
As part of the initial agreement, the US formally recognized Morocco as sovereign over Western Sahara. Interestingly enough, Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States in 1777.
Something that highlights this newfound relationship’s significance is that hundreds of thousands if not over one million Jews have Moroccan heritage.
