Israel and Morocco will exchange ambassadors and open full embassies following a trilateral meeting in New York.
Key facts
- •The agreement was reached during a trilateral summit in New York involving officials from Israel, Morocco, and the United States.
- •Israel and Morocco plan to finalize economic agreements regarding investment and taxation by the end of 2026.
- •The countries committed to expanding direct air travel, with new flights expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
- •The U.S., Israel, and Morocco reaffirmed their support for Morocco's autonomy proposal for the Western Sahara territory.
- •The meeting preceded an event marking the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, joined by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, announced an agreement to elevate their diplomatic missions to full embassies. The officials met in New York on September 16 to finalize the plan, which also includes the appointment of ambassadors. This move marks a significant step in the ongoing normalization of relations between the two nations under the framework of the Abraham Accords.
Economic and Travel Agreements
Beyond diplomatic representation, the countries committed to finalizing agreements on investment protection and the prevention of double taxation by the end of 2026. These measures are intended to facilitate mutual economic and business ties. Additionally, the parties agreed to reinstate and expand direct flights between Israel and Morocco, involving both Israeli and Moroccan carriers, by the end of 2026.
Context of Diplomatic Relations
Israel and Morocco restored diplomatic relations in 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, which also included the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan. While the countries previously maintained low-level relations in the 1990s, they were suspended in 2000. Since 2020, diplomatic missions have operated at the liaison level. During the New York summit, the participants also reaffirmed their recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Timeline
- 1994Israel and Morocco established low-level diplomatic relations.
- 2000Morocco suspended diplomatic relations with Israel during the second intifada.
- 2020Israel and Morocco restored diplomatic relations under the Abraham Accords.
- September 16, 2026Foreign ministers from Israel and Morocco agreed to open full embassies and exchange ambassadors.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Straits Times World, Al-Monitor, Jerusalem Post.
