On December 10 2020, Morocco agreed to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. In doing so, Morocco became the 6th Arab state to recognise Israel and followed the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan to become the fourth since August 2020. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that ‘liaison offices’ would be reopened in Tel Aviv and Rabat, after they were closed by Morocco in 2000 during the 2000 Palestinian uprising, with the two countries seeking to establish full diplomatic relations as soon as possible.
Jewish Moroccan Significance
One of the most interesting and significant aspects of this development for many people in Israel and elsewhere will undoubtedly be the historical relationship between the Jewish people and Morocco, distinguishing this deal from those that preceded it in the last few months. Of the countries to recognise Israel in recent months, Morocco has the largest Jewish community and the most significant Jewish history, with 700,000 Jews of Moroccan descent currently living in Israel.
History of Israeli-Moroccan Relations
As mentioned above, the latest development signals the renewal of relations with Morocco, rather than the beginning, as there has been prior dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, which came to a halt due to difficulties during the 2000 intifada. Despite Morocco having never officially recognized Israel until now, the two countries maintained covert relations under the reign of King Hassan II which began in 1961. Intelligence sharing was a key aspect of this relationship and both sides benefitted. Hassan II is believed to have given Mossad and Shin Bet access to crucial intelligence that helped Israel win the 1967 Six Day War, while Israeli intelligence allegedly helped King Hassan overcome the threat posed by political opponent Mehdi Ben Barka.
His son, and current king, Mohamed VI, maintained these relations, focusing on areas of mutual strategic interest to strengthen the ties between the two countries. These longstanding, albeit covert relations fostered on establishment of common ground have ultimately enabled the recent rapprochement, despite historical pressure from parts of the outside world.
Cooperation
This history of cooperation is likely to play a significant part in Israel and Morocco’s future relations. Morocco is an active player in several geopolitical spheres and offers Israel a strategic ally in both the Arab world and Africa. When Morocco’s historically strong relations with both Jordan and Saudi Arabia are taken into account, the rapprochement between Israel and the North African state seems logical given Jordan and Israel’s longstanding peace and the increasingly warm relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. In addition, Morocco has recently sought to strengthen its ties to African regional blocs, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With this in mind, Morocco offers Israel a key ally in both the Arab world and Africa, as well as a point of access to new markets.
Trade Inevitably, trade will prove to be one of the greatest mutual benefits in this deal, with each party able to benefit from the other’s resources and expertise. Morocco has a strong agricultural sector and produces wheat, barley, corn, and citrus fruits among other crops and could provide an interesting source for certain crops. Most interestingly, however, may be the fact that Morocco’s production suffers from volatility associated with inconsistent rainfall. Israel’s experience of similar issues, and its expertise in irrigation, means that it offers Morocco an ideal partner in this area. In addition to agriculture, Morocco’s manufacturing sector is growing and textiles are likely to be a significant important in future trade relations.
Tourism
Finally, the warming of relations between Morocco and Israel is likely to see an increase in tourism between the two states, with each country of great historical significance to the other. As mentioned above, the Jewish community has a long history in Morocco, and approximately 700,000 Israelis can trace their family roots back to Morocco. Jewish Moroccan food and culture has had a strong influence on Israel and it is likely to attract countless Israelis looking to explore this aspect of their heritage. Similarly, the religious significance of certain sites in Israel to Morocco’s Muslim population is likely to attract tourists from the North African state.
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