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// DOSSIER — israel-morocco-upgrade-diplomatic-ties-embassy-level
Israel and Morocco Agree to Upgrade Diplomatic Ties to Full Embassy Level
REL_TIME: 20 Sep 2026 04:12Z · LANG: EN
During a trilateral meeting in New York hosted by US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations from liaison offices to full embassies and exchange ambassadors. The agreement, marking the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, also includes plans to reinstate direct flights, finalize investment protection and double-taxation treaties by the end of 2026, and conduct high-level bilateral visits. While the upgrade deepens bilateral security and economic cooperation, it faces domestic opposition in Morocco due to the ongoing war in Gaza, and contrasts with US restrictions on Palestinian officials at the UN.
// Background
Morocco and Israel restored formal diplomatic relations in December 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, which also saw the US recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Israel followed with formal recognition in July 2023. Historically, Morocco has maintained deep cultural links with Israel due to its large Jewish diaspora of Moroccan ancestry. However, official relations were severed in 2000 following the Second Intifada, and recent normalization efforts have faced severe strain and public protests in Morocco following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, which also led to the suspension of direct flights.
// Key Developments
- Israel and Morocco will elevate their liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv to full embassies and appoint ambassadors.
- The two nations agreed to finalize investment protection and double-taxation agreements by the end of 2026.
- Direct commercial flights, including those operated by Moroccan airlines, are expected to resume within weeks.
- The US and Israel reaffirmed their recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, backing Rabat's autonomy plan.
- The diplomatic upgrade proceeds despite widespread public protests in Morocco against normalization amid the Gaza war.
// Timeline
-
Morocco and Israel restore formal diplomatic relations under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.
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Then-Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid makes a similar announcement regarding plans to open embassies during a visit to Morocco.
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Israel formally recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
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The outbreak of the Gaza war disrupts direct flights and triggers widespread pro-Palestinian protests in Morocco.
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US UN Ambassador Mike Waltz hosts an event marking the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords.
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Foreign Ministers Gideon Sa'ar and Nasser Bourita meet with Mike Waltz in New York and sign the agreement to upgrade to full embassies.
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Target deadline for completing bilateral investment protection and double-taxation agreements.
// Perspectives
[United States, Israel, and Moroccan Governments]
Strongly support the upgrade, viewing full diplomatic relations as mutually beneficial for regional security, economic growth, and peace.
[Palestinian Authorities and Supporters]
Oppose the normalization, arguing that upgrading ties without establishing a Palestinian state undermines the long-standing Arab position.
[Moroccan Public / Protesters]
Express widespread anger and hold demonstrations demanding Rabat sever ties with Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
[European Union]
Maintains a contrasting stance on Western Sahara, with the Court of Justice ruling that trade agreements cannot apply to the territory without its people's consent.
// Quotes
“The establishment of full diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations between Morocco and Israel is in the common interest of both countries and will advance the cause of peace.”
“The friendship between the Moroccan people and the Jewish people has deep roots and a glorious history. The declaration we signed today outlines practical ways to upgrade ties...”
