Israel has decided to “recognize Morocco’s sovereignty” over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, the royal cabinet in Rabat announced on Monday, citing a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Through this letter, the Israeli Prime Minister drew the attention of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the decision of the State of Israel to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara,” the Palace said in a press release. .
In his letter, Benjamin Netanyahu informed the sovereign that Israel was positively examining “the opening of a consulate in the city of Dakhla”, located in the part of Western Sahara controlled by the kingdom.
In Jerusalem, requested by AFP, Benjamin Netanyahu’s office specified that “Israel confirms the details contained in the announcement” of the Moroccan authorities.
A territory claimed by separatists
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is largely controlled by Morocco but is claimed by Algeria-backed Saharawi separatists from the Polisario Front.
Morocco and Israel normalized diplomatic relations in December 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, a process between Israel and several Arab countries, backed by Washington.
In exchange, Rabat obtained from Washington the recognition of “Moroccan sovereignty” over Western Sahara.
Source: BFM TV
