Moroccan Sahara : Benjamin Netanyahu corrects course

In a photograph taken in his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be seen posing alongside U.S. envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff in front of a map of Morocco incorporating its Sahara. One way for Israel to reaffirm its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Read: Map with Sahara cut off: Netanyahu apologizes, but Moroccan anger persists

Tel Aviv officially recognized the Moroccan character of the Sahara in July 2023 through a letter addressed by the Israeli prime minister to King Mohammed VI. This position would be “reflected in all relevant acts and documents of the Israeli government” and brought to the attention of the United Nations, international organizations, as well as countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu had specified in his correspondence.

Read: Benjamin Netanyahu’s reaction to a map of Morocco without the Sahara (video)

The Israeli position followed the normalization of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel under the aegis of the United States in exchange for U.S. recognition of the Moroccan character of the Sahara in December 2020. Since then, relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv have been excellent. Until now, the Moroccan authorities have not given in to pressure from political parties, political activists and others calling on Morocco to sever its relations with Israel.