“ We do not agree 100% with Israel”: Bourita explains why Morocco maintains its relations

Nasser Bourita directly defended Morocco’s decision to maintain its relations with Israel. Questioned on Wednesday, 16 September, in New York, the foreign minister explained that these ties notably enabled the kingdom to intervene more effectively in support of the Palestinians.

“We can help the Palestinians on the humanitarian front thanks to these relations with Israel,” he told Fox News after a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar and the US representative to the UN, Mike Waltz.

Bourita cited the humanitarian aid delivered to northern Gaza in March 2024 as an example. Morocco had secured the opening of a land route allowing 40 tonnes of food and medical supplies to enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

At the time, Reuters reported that the cargo had been flown to Israel and then handed over to trucks belonging to the Palestinian Red Crescent. A Moroccan diplomatic source had already attributed the securing of this route to the relations established with Israel.

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The head of Moroccan diplomacy nevertheless rejected the idea that these relations implied Rabat’s complete alignment with Tel Aviv. “We do not agree with Israel 100%,” he insisted, adding that each country retained its own policy.

Bourita contrasts concrete action with speeches

For Nasser Bourita, the question is whether it is better to multiply statements from capital cities or use the available channels to carry out concrete initiatives. He believes that Morocco is relying on “the spirit of the Abraham Accords” to promote regional peace and stability.

The minister also discussed Morocco’s participation in efforts concerning Gaza’s future. According to him, contributing directly to peace requires more courage than remaining in denunciation and rhetoric.

Mike Waltz supported this position. The US representative to the United Nations praised Morocco’s humanitarian action and its involvement in discussions about the postwar period in Gaza.

These statements were made during the meeting at which Israel announced the forthcoming opening of embassies with Morocco. The two countries must also exchange ambassadors, restore flights operated by their airlines before the end of 2026, and finalize agreements on investment protection and double taxation.

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The return of air links is notably intended to accompany the gradual resumption of Israeli tourism in Morocco. But for Bourita, the relationship with Israel is limited neither to economic exchanges nor to travel: it must also provide the kingdom with tools for action in support of the Palestinians.