Israeli Ambassador Highlights Progress and Challenges in Morocco-Israel Relations

In an op-ed published in the Arabic-language newspaper Assabah, David Govrin boasts of a positive record of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel, formalized on December 10, 2020, and the tripartite agreement signed in the presence of King Mohammed VI on December 22, 2020. The Israeli diplomat notes that relations with Morocco differ from those linking Israel to the other signatory countries of the Abraham Accords, as the two countries had already, in the mid-1990s, opened liaison offices in Tel Aviv and Rabat.

David Govrin recalls the many actions undertaken by the two countries over the past twelve months: the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding in various areas of cooperation; the strengthening of academic and scientific cooperation between universities and research institutes; the signing of agreements aimed at strengthening military cooperation in areas such as intelligence, the defense industry, training (joint exercises between the Royal Armed Forces and the IDF, the Israeli defense and security forces) and the sale of drones and weapons to the kingdom; the signing of a major economic framework agreement next year, etc.

In the eyes of the Israeli diplomat, the balance sheet is generally satisfactory. However, major challenges remain. According to him, the most important challenge is to translate peace into prosperity for both parties. The second challenge, he continues, is to demonstrate that it is possible to build a true peace, not only with governments but also with the peoples of the Middle East. David Govrin is convinced that the history of Morocco, which is distinguished by tolerance, moderation and coexistence between Jews and Muslims, will set an example elsewhere.