Israel recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara

Israel joins the list of countries that recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Following in the footsteps of other nations such as the United States and Spain, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a letter to the King of Morocco, Mohamed VI, announcing his recognition of the Moroccan sovereignty of the Sahara. 

"The Israeli Prime Minister indicated that this position of his country will be reflected in all relevant acts and documents of the Israeli government", reports a press release from the Moroccan Royal Cabinet.

This decision will also be conveyed to bodies such as the United Nations, as well as to other regional and international organisations of which Israel is a member and to all countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

In the letter, Netanyahu also proposes the opening of a consulate in Dakhla, where many other countries, mostly Arab and African, already have a diplomatic delegation. 

Israel's decision comes a month after the visit to the Kingdom by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who advocated in Rabat the recognition of Moroccan autonomy for the Sahara. "Israel should move towards the goal of recognising the Moroccan Sahara, just as our closest ally, the United States, did when it signed the historic Abraham Accords," Ohana said during his trip to Morocco. 

This step will cement the already strong relations between Israel and Morocco, two countries that in recent years have become allies in areas such as defence, economy and trade.