Israel restablece la misión diplomática en Marruecos
Twenty years after the closure of the Israeli embassy in Morocco, the Israeli consul, David Govrin, has arrived in Rabat with the aim of establishing a channel for dialogue and strengthening relations between the two countries, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement.
The beginning of the second Intifada in 2000 marked the end of relations between the two countries. However, the head of the Israeli mission has taken up the post in order to "continue bilateral relations in all areas, including everything related to political dialogue, tourism, the economy and cultural ties".
The Israeli executive approved last Sunday the agreement promoted by the Trump administration with Morocco within the framework of the Abraham Accords. However, the decision still has to be approved by parliament.
David Govrin, who has headed the Israeli embassy in Egypt since 2016, will work in a key location. First opened in 1993 after the Oslo Accords, the diplomatic mission will serve to represent the largest Jewish community in North Africa, with around 3,000 Jews living in Morocco. In addition, Israel is home to some 700,000 citizens of Moroccan origin.
Morocco has not confirmed the reopening of its embassy in Israel. Nor has it confirmed who would occupy the consulate. However, initial reports suggest that Tel Aviv would host the Moroccan office.
This move serves as the rubric for the agreement negotiated in December. At the time, the Moroccan authorities announced that US recognition of the Kingdom of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara was validated by the establishment of "diplomatic, peaceful and friendly" relations between Morocco and Israel.
The normalisation of relations with Morocco is, however, only an appendage of the radical shift in Middle East and Maghreb strategy taken by Israel and pushed by the Trump administration through the Abraham Accords.
The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan were the first states to accept the alliance. Morocco subsequently joined to become the fourth Arab country to forge relations with Israel in recent months.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi welcomed the achievements: "The arrival of the heads of mission in Morocco and Dubai completed the first important step in the opening of new Israeli embassies in the region as part of the Abraham Accords.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also announced the opening of its embassy in the United Arab Emirates.
Eitan Na'eh, the veteran Israeli diplomat, will serve as head of mission in a consulate while awaiting a new location. The Israeli authorities warned that they would establish a temporary office while a permanent location is being prepared.
The UAE on Sunday approved the establishment of an Emirati consulate in Tel Aviv, according to state news agency WAM. They have also connected direct flights and exchanged numerous business delegations since September. Thousands of Israeli tourists have even visited the UAE during the Hanukkah holidays.
"We need to build long-term relations," Na'eh admitted. The ambassador tweeted: "I am overwhelmed with my arrival in the country. I thank all Emirati supporters and new followers. Together we will build strong and broad-minded relations over a long term period".
Via the platform, the Israeli consul said yesterday that he had completed "the second day in office". Na'eh is still working from quarantine, as Emirati measures require him to be confined for 10 days after his arrival.
In any case, the ambassador acknowledges having been in contact with Emirati government ministers, as well as with several local media outlets. However, the most important item on his agenda is the preparation of Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the UAE, scheduled for 9 and 10 February.
The Abraham Accords get underway without Trump, but with the hope that his successor, Joe Biden, will maintain the progress made in cooperation between Israel and the Arab world in recent months.
