Ceuta and Melilla soon Moroccan? Spanish press sounds the alarm
Analyses suggest a possible support from Israel and the United States for Moroccan claims on Ceuta and Melilla. A hypothesis that is raising concerns in Spain, amid persistent diplomatic tensions with Washington and Tel-Aviv.
Anxiety is mounting in the Iberian peninsula over the emergence of a strategic alliance between Morocco, the United States and Israel. As reported by Iberian media 20minutos, a recent article in the Israeli press suggests that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu could help Rabat recover the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. This pressure would be a retaliatory measure against Spain’s refusal to grant access to its military bases for American operations against Iran, and the very critical stance of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez toward Israel.
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Across the Atlantic, the threat is becoming clearer through very conservative circles of influence. Recently, an American researcher directly urged Donald Trump to recognize Ceuta and Melilla as "occupied" Moroccan territory. For Irene Fernández-Molina, a professor of international relations, these positions resemble trial balloons aimed at punishing NATO allies deemed insufficiently loyal. While she recalls that one must "not exaggerate" the importance of these publications, she warns that they should not be "dismissed" either.
Despite these geopolitical frictions, Moroccan specialists are making efforts to dispel the alarm. Writer and diplomat Samir Bennis describes these rumors as "pure fantasy," emphasizing that for the kingdom, the Western Sahara issue remains the absolute priority. Moreover, the joint organization of the 2030 World Cup by Madrid and Rabat acts as a solid buffer. Morocco maintains excellent relations with its Spanish neighbor and has no short-term interest in provoking a rupture over this territorial issue.
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Faced with the proliferation of these speculations, officials have stepped up to the plate. Israel’s ambassador to Spain, Dana Erlich, formally denied any Tel-Aviv support for Moroccan claims. "This is not something we are thinking about in Israel, because it is not relevant," she assured, recalling that her country faces immediate vital threats. In response, Spain’s foreign minister sought to reassure public opinion by affirming that Spain remains a totally reliable NATO ally.
