Israel and Morocco have agreed to restore full diplomatic relations, reopen embassies and expand economic cooperation. Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon announced the move at the United Nations, after more than twenty years of limited contact between the two countries.
The step is part of the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements launched in 2020 under former US President Donald Trump to formalize ties between Israel and several Arab states. Morocco is entering a new phase of engagement. Reuters and other outlets report that the latest agreement was reached at a trilateral meeting in New York, attended by Israel’s and Morocco’s foreign ministers, with the US representative to the UN also present.
At the UN, Danon spoke about the historical connection between the Jewish people and Morocco, saying closer ties would benefit both countries. The announcement followed a summit between Israel and Morocco, with the United States also involved. In a joint statement relayed by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and cited by Al Jazeera, both sides agreed to upgrade their diplomatic missions to embassies and appoint ambassadors.
Under the agreement, Israel and Morocco will reopen embassies and expand direct flights, while encouraging investment. The move follows the diplomatic freeze that began in 2000, when both countries closed their foreign offices after the Second Intifada broke out, amid rising tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Al-Monitor reports that practical steps include restoring direct air links, alongside cooperation on investment and taxation.
The United States remains closely involved. US ambassador Mike Waltz said the agreement also reaffirms American recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. He noted that the Abraham Accords have faced challenges since their signing and said the latest developments with Morocco demonstrate their durability. Xinhua and other sources report that the US continues to act as a mediator, with Washington’s position on Western Sahara basic to the deal.
Progress has been gradual. Washington announced the normalization deal between Israel and Morocco in December 2020, and Israel later said it would open an embassy. The two countries had not exchanged ambassadors until now. The current agreement marks a concrete step forward. Previous announcements in 2022 about embassy openings did not lead to a formal exchange of ambassadors, Arab News reported.
For both countries, reopening embassies and expanding direct flights are expected to make business and tourism easier, while also encouraging cultural exchange. Mutual investment and simpler travel could create new opportunities for trade and cooperation. Al-Monitor reports that both governments are preparing to advance investment and tax agreements as part of the broader diplomatic upgrade.
The renewed partnership reflects the continuing influence of the Abraham Accords on regional diplomacy. The US role, especially its stance on Western Sahara, remains a basic factor in the development of these agreements. As embassies reopen and direct flights resume, the two countries will begin to see the practical effects of their renewed ties.
